Levetiracetam

Levetiracetam is used to treat certain types of seizures in people with epilepsy, including partial onset seizures, myoclonic seizures, and tonic-clonic seizures.

Introduction

Generic name: Levetiracetam (oral/injection)

Brand names: Elepsia XR, Keppra, Keppra XR, Roweepra, Spritam, Roweepra XR

Drug class: Pyrrolidine anticonvulsants

Uses

Treatment of Epilepsy/Seizures

Benefits

  • Levipil 500 Tablet belongs to a group of medicines called anticonvulsants (or anti-epileptics). It works by slowing down electrical signals in the brain which cause seizures (fits).

  • This medicine can be used to control various types of seizures—myoclonic, partial-onset, and primary generalized tonic-clonic (or grand mal).

  • It can also help reduce symptoms such as confusion, uncontrollable jerking movements, loss of awareness, and fear or anxiety.

  • The medicine can allow you to do some activities that you would otherwise be forbidden or scared to do (such as swimming and driving).

  • It can take a few weeks for this medicine to work (because the dose has to be increased slowly) and during this time you may still have seizures.

  • You should continue taking it even if you feel well and are not having any seizures. Missing doses may trigger a seizure. Do not stop using this medicine until your doctor advises you.

Directions for use

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Levipil 500 Tablet may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.

How it works?

Levipil 500 Tablet is an antiepileptic medication. It works by attaching to specific sites (SV2A) on the surfaces of nerve cells. This suppresses the abnormal activity of the nerve cells in the brain and prevents the spread of electrical signals that cause seizures.

Side effects

Levetiracetam may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

  • Unusual changes in mood or behavior (unusual risk-taking behavior, being irritable or talkative)

  • Confusion, hallucinations, extreme drowsiness, feeling very weak or tired

  • Loss of balance or coordination, problems with walking or movement

  • A skin rash, no matter how mild

  • Easy bruising, unusual bleeding

  • Fever, chills, weakness, or other signs of infection.

Common side effects of levetiracetam may include:

  • Dizziness, drowsiness, tiredness, weakness

  • Feeling aggressive or irritable

  • Loss of appetite

  • Stuffy nose

  • Infection.

Warnings

  • Some people have thoughts about suicide while taking levetiracetam. Stay alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor.

  • Seizures may increase if you stop using levetiracetam suddenly.

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