Keppra

What is Keppra?

Keppra (levetiracetam) is an anti-epileptic drug, also called an anticonvulsant.

Keppra is used to treat partial onset seizures in adults and children who are at least 1 month old.

Keppra is also used to treat tonic-clonic seizures in people who are at least 6 years old, and myoclonic seizures in people who are at least 12 years old.

Important Information

Do not stop using Keppra without first talking to your doctor, even if you feel fine. You may have increased seizures if you stop using this medicine suddenly. You may need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely.

Some people have thoughts about suicide when first taking this medicine. Stay alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor.

Wear a medical alert tag or carry an ID card stating that you take Keppra. Any medical care provider who treats you should know that you take seizure medication.

Levetiracetam may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication. Do not start or stop taking Keppra during pregnancy without your doctor's advice. Having a seizure during pregnancy could harm both the mother and the baby. Seizure control is very important during pregnancy and the benefits of preventing seizures may outweigh any risks posed by using this medicine.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Keppra if you are allergic to levetiracetam.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);

• depression or other mood problems;

• mental illness or psychosis; or

• suicidal thoughts or actions.

You may have thoughts about suicide while taking Keppra. Your doctor should check your progress at regular visits. Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms.

Follow your doctor's instructions about taking seizure medication if you are pregnant. Seizure control is very important during pregnancy, and having a seizure could harm both mother and baby. Your dose needs may be different during pregnancy. Do not start or stop taking this medicine without your doctor's advice, and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.

If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of levetiracetam on the baby.

It may not be safe to breastfeed while using Keppra. Ask your doctor about any risk.

Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.

How should I take Keppra?

Take Keppra exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Take the medicine at the same time each day, with or without food.

Levetiracetam doses are based on weight in children. Your child's dose needs may change if the child gains or loses weight.

Your dose needs may change if you switch to a different brand, strength, or form of this medicine. Avoid medication errors by using only the form and strength your doctor prescribes.

Measure liquid medicine carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Swallow the extended-release tablet whole and do not crush, chew, or break it.

Do not stop using Keppra suddenly, even if you feel fine. Stopping suddenly may cause increased seizures. Follow your doctor's instructions about tapering your dose.

Use all seizure medications as directed and read all medication guides you receive. Do not change your dose or dosing schedule without your doctor's advice.

In case of emergency, wear or carry medical identification to let others know you use seizure medication.

Your kidney function may need to be tested often.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include extreme drowsiness, agitation, aggression, shallow breathing, weakness, or fainting.

What should I avoid while taking Keppra?

Drinking alcohol with this medicine can cause side effects and may also increase the risk of seizures.

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Dizziness or drowsiness can cause falls, accidents, or severe injuries.

Keppra side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Keppra (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning in your eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling).

Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor, such as: mood or behavior changes, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel agitated, hostile, irritable, hyperactive (mentally or physically), or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• unusual changes in mood or behavior (unusual risk-taking behavior, being irritable or talkative);

• confusion, hallucinations, loss of balance or coordination;

• extreme drowsiness, feeling very weak or tired;

• problems with walking or movement;

• the first sign of any skin rash, no matter how mild;

• easy bruising, unusual bleeding; or

• fever, chills, weakness, or other signs of infection.

Common Keppra side effects may include:

• dizziness, drowsiness, tiredness;

• weakness;

• feeling aggressive or irritable;

• loss of appetite;

• stuffy nose; or

• infection.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Keppra?

Other drugs may interact with levetiracetam, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Keppra only for the indication prescribed.

Related questions

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