Keppra

Common use

Keppra (Levetiracetam) prevents and controls seizures in people with epilepsy. It works by calming overactive nerves in your body.

Dosage and direction

Take this medication by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets whole. Do not crush or chew this medication. You may take this medication with or without food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medication more often than directed. Do not stop taking this medication or any of your seizure medications unless instructed by your care team. Stopping your medication suddenly can increase your seizures or their severity.

Precautions

It is important to take this medication exactly as instructed by your care team. When first starting treatment, your dose may need to be adjusted. It may take weeks or months before your dose is stable. You should contact your care team if your seizures get worse or if you have any new types of seizures.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medication affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medication. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
The use of this medication may increase the chance of suicidal thoughts or actions. Pay special attention to how you are responding while on this medication. Any worsening of mood, or thoughts of suicide or dying should be reported to your care team right away.

Contraindications

Contraindications if you have any of these conditions:
Kidney disease,
Suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt; a previous suicide attempt by you or a family member,
An unusual or allergic reaction to levetiracetam, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives,
Pregnant or trying to get pregnant,
Breast-feeding.

Possible side effect

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Allergic reactions - skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat,
Increase in blood pressure in children,
Infection - fever, chills, cough, or sore throat,
Loss of balance or coordination,
Low red blood cell count - unusual weakness or fatigue, dizziness, headache, trouble breathing,
Mood and behavior changes - anxiety, nervousness, confusion, hallucinations, irritability, hostility, thoughts of suicide or self-harm, worsening mood, feelings of depression,
Redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth,
Trouble walking,
Unusual bruising or bleeding,
Unusual weakness or fatigue.

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
Dizziness,
Drowsiness,
Fatigue,
Irritability,
Loss of appetite.

Drug interaction

This medication may interact with the following:
Carbamazepine,
Colesevelam,
Probenecid,
Sevelamer.

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

Missed dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Overdose

If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

Storage

Keep out of reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.