Levetiracetam

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Molecule Description

Levetiracetam is an anticonvulsant used in the treatment of epilepsy. Try to take it at the same time every day to keep a steady level in your body, which is key for seizure control. Never stop taking it suddenly or change your dose without consulting your doctor, as this could lead to increased seizure activity. Common side effects are often mild and may lessen over time; these include drowsiness, dizziness, unsteadiness, headache, weakness, and feeling irritable or aggressive. Levetiracetam is mostly cleared by the kidneys, so tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, as a lower dose may be needed. This medication may cause changes in mood, behavior, and thoughts, including rare instances of suicidal thoughts or behaviors (called Keppra Rage). Monitor yourself and have family members watch for new or worsening anxiety, depression, anger, or agitation.

Uses

It is used in treating various forms of epilepsy i.e., partial-onset epilepsy, myoclonic epilepsy (short, shock-like jerks of a muscle or group of muscles), also used for generalized tonic-clonic seizures in patients of epilepsy.

Contraindications

When should one not use Levetiracetam

Known allergy (hypersensitivity) to Levetiracetam
Depression
Kidney disease
Hallucination
Decrease in blood cells, decreased white blood cells
Having suicidal thoughts and mental disorders(loss of personality and reality)

Side effects

Common side effects of this drug are:

Dizziness
Headache
Inflammation of nose and throat
Fatigue (tiredness)
Loss of appetite
Sleepiness
Hyper movements, mental disorders, outbursts of anger
Vomiting, nausea
Vertigo (sensation of rotation)
Irritability, emotional changes
Flu-like symptoms, a rash on the face followed by an extended rash, fever, increased levels of liver enzymes seen in blood tests and an increase in a type of white blood cell (eosinophilia) and enlarged lymph nodes (Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms [DRESS])
Mood and behavior change like confusion, loss of memory, memory impairment, forgetfulness, abnormal behavior

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

This medicine should not be taken in pregnancy unless it is considered necessary by your doctor. Discuss with your doctor if you are pregnant or are planning a pregnancy.

Breast Feeding

Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment as Levetiracetam passes into human milk. However, if advised by your doctor to continue breastfeeding, the baby must be watched for symptoms like drowsiness, adequate weight gain, and developmental milestones.

Driving

You should avoid driving as it may make you feel sleepy.

Alcohol

Alcohol can increase the side effects of Levetiracetam, such as dizziness, drowsiness, difficulty concentrating, impairment in thinking, and judgment. Alcohol should be avoided when you are taking this drug.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

Have a suicidal tendency
If you have kidney disease or you are on hemodialysis
You have any history of blood-related abnormalities
Do not stop the medicine abruptly. Your doctor shall gradually decrease the dose of the medication before stopping

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

Brain cells usually talk to each other using electrical signals and chemicals. Seizures can happen when the brain cells are not working or firing normally or working faster than usual. Levetiracetam joins with a protein that is involved with the release of certain chemicals called neurotransmitters in the brain. It is assumed that this medicine works by slowing down the abnormal nerve impulses in the brain.

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

It has interactions with numerous drugs. Do not take any medications without consulting your doctor. There are major interactions seen with Acetaminophen, Methotrexate, Propoxyphene, Aspirin, Caffeine, Buprenorphine, Naloxone, and Sodium Oxybate.

Dosage

Overdose

Drowsiness is the highest recorded overdose symptom. Other than drowsiness, agitation, aggression, depressed level of consciousness, inability to breath, and coma have also been recorded as overdose symptoms. Seek emergency medical care immediately if you think you have taken too much of this drug.

Missed a Dose

If any dose missed by you, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is time for the next dose, then skip the missed dose and go back to your usual schedule. Avoid taking two dosages at the same time or taking extra dosages.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Swallow the tablet whole with water. The oral solution should be used in pediatric patients with a bodyweight of 20 kg or less. For pediatric patients, for dispensing the oral solution in weight-based dosing, a calibrated measuring device should be used (not just any household teaspoon or tablespoon). Take this drug precisely as advised by the physician. Do not stop taking or reduce or increase the doses on your own.

Give a detailed account of your medical and surgical history. You must tell your doctor if you have a suicidal tendency or kidney disease, or if you are on hemodialysis or any history of hematological abnormalities. Also, mention to your doctor all the prescription and non-prescription medicines, herbal preparations, and nutritional supplements that you may be taking before starting this medication.

NO, NEVER stop taking Levetiracetam suddenly without talking to your doctor first. Stopping seizure medicine abruptly can lead to a severe increase in the frequency and severity of your seizures. Your doctor will help you gradually decrease the dose over time if the medicine needs to be stopped.

Long-term use is generally well-tolerated, with no unexpected serious effects, but regular check-ups with your doctor are essential to monitor your progress and kidney function.

Levetiracetam can cause mood or behavioral changes in some people, like irritability, aggression, anger, or depression. It can also, rarely, cause thoughts of self-harm. It is crucial to tell your doctor immediately if you, your family, or caregiver notice any sudden, worrying changes in your mood or behavior.

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