This first section of our medication database entry focuses on basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits, while part two covers side effects, interactions and additional information.
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Keppra Consumer Information
KEPPRA
Generic Name: levetiracetam (lev e tear AH seh tam)
Brand Names: Keppra
What is the most important information I should know about levetiracetam?
- Do not stop taking levetiracetam without first talking to your doctor, even if you feel better. It is important to continue taking levetiracetam to prevent the seizures from recurring. Stopping levetiracetam suddenly may result in increased seizure frequency. If the medication needs to be stopped, your doctor may need to lower the dosage gradually.
- Carry or wear a medical identification tag to let others know that you are taking this medicine in the case of an emergency.
- Levetiracetam may cause drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, or poor coordination. Do not drive, operate dangerous machinery, or perform other hazardous activities until you know how levetiracetam affects you. If you experience drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, or poor coordination, avoid these activities.
What is levetiracetam?
- Levetiracetam is used to control seizures. The exact way that it works is unknown.
- Levetiracetam may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking levetiracetam?
- Before taking levetiracetam, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease. You may not be able to take levetiracetam, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.
- Levetiracetam is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether levetiracetam will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
- It is not known whether levetiracetam passes into breast milk. Do not take levetiracetam without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take levetiracetam?
- Take levetiracetam exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
- Take the oral tablets with a full glass of water.
- To ensure you get the correct dose, measure the liquid form of levetiracetam with a dose-measuring spoon or cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.
- Levetiracetam can be taken with or without food.
- It is important to take levetiracetam regularly to get the most benefit.
- Do not stop taking levetiracetam without first talking to your doctor, even if you feel better. It is important to continue taking levetiracetam to prevent the seizures from recurring. Stopping levetiracetam suddenly may result in increased seizure frequency. If the medication needs to be stopped, your doctor may need to lower the dosage gradually.
- If treatment with levetiracetam is stopped for any reason, contact your doctor before restarting the medication. A lower dose may be needed to prevent side effects from occurring.
- Your doctor may want you to have blood tests or other medical evaluations during treatment with levetiracetam to monitor progress and side effects.
- Carry or wear a medical identification tag to let others know that you are taking this medicine in the case of an emergency.
- Store levetiracetam at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
- Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.
What happens if I overdose?
- Seek emergency medical treatment if an overdose is suspected.
- Symptoms of a levetiracetam overdose are unknown but might include drowsiness.
What should I avoid while taking levetiracetam?
- Do not drink alcohol while taking levetiracetam. Alcohol may increase drowsiness or dizziness caused by levetiracetam. Alcohol may also increase the risk of seizures.
- Levetiracetam may cause drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, or poor coordination. Do not drive, operate dangerous machinery, or perform other hazardous activities until you know how levetiracetam affects you. If you experience drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, or poor coordination, avoid these activities.
Please see the end of this document for relevant limitations, full details of our medication information supplier, and revision date or version number.