Levetiracetam
Commercial names and formulations:
Brand name: Keppra
Formulations: tablet, extended-release tablet, oral solution, injectable solution
Years on the market:
In the US since 2000
How to store it?
Store at room temperature
What does the body do to the medication?
Can I take it with food?
Yes
How long does it take to get to the blood after I take it?
1 hours
How long does it take to start having a steady effect?
2 days
Can this medication be started at a high dose or it has to be started gradually?
Gradually
How long does it stay in the body?
6-8 hours
How is it eliminated?
Kidney
What does the medication do to the body?
Type of epilepsy that helps:
Generalized and partial Epilepsy
FDA approved for:
Keppra is approved as a treatment for partial onset seizures in adults and children, as a treatment for myoclonic seizures in adults and adolescents, and as a treatment for primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures in adults and children.
Common side effects:
• Skin: none
• Bones: none
• Blood: none
• Liver: none
• Kidneys: none
• Stomach and intestines: weight loss
• Heart: none
• Brain: drowsiness, dizziness, difficulty with coordination, memory problems, abnormal sensation, headache
• Mood: depression, nervousness, anxiety, hostility
• Others: muscle weakness, infection, pain
Serious side effects:
Increase in the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior, depression
What happens if I get too much of it (intoxication)?
Symptoms may include severe drowsiness, agitation, aggressive behavior, loss of consciousness, shallow breathing and possibly coma.
What happens if I stop it suddenly (withdrawal)?
If you stop levetiracetam suddenly, there is a chance that your seizures will get worse.
Who should not take this medication?
You should not take levetiracetam if you are allergic to the medicine.
What is the average dose and how many times a day should be given?
Children: initial 10 mg/kg (divided twice a day); increase to daily dose 60 mg/kg (divided twice a day)
Adults: initial 500 mg (divided twice a day); increase up to 1500mg (divided twice a day)
Does the body get used to the medication?
Yes
Medications to be careful with:
Other AEDs that can increase the blood level of Keppra:
None anticipated
Other AEDs that can decrease the blood level of Keppra:
None anticipated
Other drug interactions:
None anticipated
Blood work required?
CBC and CPM?
No
Are medication levels in blood useful?
No
Women’s health
Affects contraceptives?
No
Affect fertility?
No
Are safe in pregnancy?
It may be safe to take levetiracetam while pregnant. Discuss this with your doctor.
Category
Pregnancy Category C
Can breastfeed?
Levetiracetam is excreted in breast milk. The effects on the breast-feeding infant are unknown. The unknown risks of the medication need to be weighed against the multiple benefits of breast-feeding on an individual basis.
Affect bones (osteoporosis)?
No
Men’s health
Affects sexual performance?
No
Affects fertility?
No
Use other than epilepsy:
None