LEVETIRACETAM
Background and Date of Approval
Levetiracetam received U.S. FDA approval for the treatment of seizures and epilepsy on 3rd August 2015.
Uses
Levetiracetam has been approved to treat seizures and epilepsy.
How is it administered?
The recommended initial dose of Levetiracetam is 500 mg twice daily. Follow your doctor's instructions exactly. Take this Levetiracetam tablet twice a day, with or without food. Avoid breaking or chewing the tablet. Instead, swallow it whole with a glass of water. Sudden withdrawal of this medicine increases the risk of seizures.
Side Effects
The common side effects that are likely to occur while you are on the treatment with Levetiracetam are nasopharyngitis (Inflammation of the nose and throat), sleepiness, headache, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, infection, loss of appetite, tremors, rashes, diarrhea, indigestion, vertigo, cough, etc. Inform your healthcare professional if these side effects disturb you or persist. Report to your doctor immediately if you have an allergic reaction like swelling of the face, mouth, or throat and muscle coordination problems.
Warnings
Contact your physician immediately if you experience allergies to Levetiracetam and its ingredients. Inform your physician if you have kidney or liver conditions. While taking this medicine, your doctor monitors kidney functions through regular blood tests. Before taking this medication, let your healthcare provider know if you have a medical history of irregular heartbeats or salt imbalances. Consult your doctor if you notice any slowdown in your child's growth or unexpected puberty development.
Precautions
Consult your doctor before using this medication if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby. Levetiracetam tablets should not be taken while pregnant unless specifically advised by your doctor, as it can cause harmful effects on the developing baby. Avoid breastfeeding your baby while on the treatment, as Levetiracetam passes into the breastmilk and affects the baby.
Word of Advice
Inform your physician if you have a history of allergic reactions to Levetiracetam to prevent life-threatening complications. Before starting treatment, discuss with your doctor if you are pregnant or have liver or kidney problems. A well-balanced diet and regular exercise may help reduce anxiety. Avoid alcohol consumption.
References
UCB Pharma Ltd., Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on Dec 2021] [Accessed on 27th October 2022], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.2293.pdf UCB, Inc., US Food & Drug Administration, [Revised on April 2017] [Accessed on 27th October 2022], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2018/020386s062lbl.pdf Bassel Abou-Khalil; Levetiracetam in the treatment of epilepsy; Published on June 2008; Accessed on 27/10/2022 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2526377/ KD Tripathi, Antiepileptic drugs, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, 7th Edition, 2019, 421-423.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while taking Levetiracetam?
Levetiracetam makes you sleepy or dizzy, impairing your ability to operate machinery and drive a vehicle. Consult your doctor immediately if you feel such symptoms while taking this medicine.
What happens if I stop taking Levetiracetam?
If you suddenly stop taking Levetiracetam, that may increase the risk of seizure. Hence, it should be discontinued gradually to avoid getting this disease.
What happens if I take too much Levetiracetam?
If you take more Levetiracetam tablets, it may cause sleepiness, agitation, aggression, a decrease in alertness, inhibition of breathing, and coma.
What are the most common side effects of using Levetiracetam?
The common side effects of Levetiracetam are nasopharyngitis (Inflammation of nose and throat), headache, sleepiness, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, depression, aggression, anxiety, loss of appetite, tremors, rash, etc.
How do you administer Levetiracetam?
Levetiracetam may be taken twice daily on an empty or full stomach. Swallow the whole tablets with a glass of water instead of crushing, chewing, or breaking them.
Does alcohol interact with Levetiracetam?
Yes, alcohol can interact with Levetiracetam as it can cause dizziness, drowsiness, or sleepiness. So avoid consuming alcohol with this medication.