Important Note
The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
LEVETIRACETAM - ORAL
(lev-eh-turr-RASS-ih-tam)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Keppra
Uses
This medication is used in combination with other medications to treat seizures disorders (epilepsy).
How To Use
Take this medication by mouth, usually twice daily; or take as directed by your doctor. This drug may be taken with or without food. Levetiracetam is best taken at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day to ensure a constant level of drug in the body. Do not take this drug more often or increase your dose without consulting your doctor. Do not stop taking this drug suddenly without your doctor's approval since seizures may reoccur. If this medication does not control your seizures, notify your doctor.
Side Effects
Drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, headache, loss of coordination (e.g., difficulty walking, muscle control) may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor. In most patients, if side effects occur with this medication, they usually occur in the first month of treatment. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these serious side effects: mental/mood changes, unusual weakness (e.g., anemia), vision problems. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
Tell your doctor your medical history, including: any allergies, kidney disease, blood disorders (anemia), depression, seizures. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy, especially during the first month of treatment. Use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of this drug. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This drug passes into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended.
Drug Interactions
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use, especially of drugs that cause drowsiness such as: medicine for sleep, sedatives, tranquilizers, anti-anxiety drugs (e.g., lorazepam, alprazolam), narcotic pain relievers (e.g., hydrocodone, codeine), psychiatric medicine, other anti-seizure drugs (e.g., phenytoin, carbamazepine), muscle relaxants, antihistamines that cause drowsiness (e.g., diphenhydramine). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include drowsiness.
Notes
Do not share this medication with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests may be performed to monitor your progress.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Storage
Store at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-20 degrees C) is permitted.
Medical Alert
Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
