Keppra

Keppra Drug Information

• Keppra Overview

  Levetiracetam is used to treat seizures (epilepsy). It belongs to a class of drugs known as anticonvulsants. Levetiracetam may decrease the number of seizures you have.

• How to Use Keppra

  Read the Medication Guide and, if available, the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start taking levetiracetam and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Take the liquid and regular-release tablets by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually twice daily with or without food. Crushing or chewing the tablet may cause a bitter taste. If you are using the liquid form of Keppra, carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose. If you are using the extended-release tablets, take Keppra as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. Do not crush or chew extended-release tablets. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects. Do not split tablets unless they have a score line and your doctor or pharmacist tells you to do so. Swallow the whole or split tablet without crushing or chewing. The Dosage of Keppra is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. The dosage in children is also based on weight. To reduce your risk of side effects (such as dizziness and drowsiness), your doctor may direct you to start Keppra at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Use Keppra regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day. Do not increase your dose or use Keppra more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase. Do not stop taking Keppra without consulting your doctor. Your seizures may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose should be gradually decreased. Tell your doctor if your seizures lasts, change, or gets worse.

• Keppra Precautions

  Before taking levetiracetam, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. Keppra may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using Keppra, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history,kidney disease (such as dialysis treatment), mental/mood disorders (such as depression). Keppra may make you dizzy or drowsy, especially during the first month of treatment. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, ride a bicycle, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis). Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of the drug, especially mental/mood changes (such as irritability, aggression, agitation, anger, anxiety, depression, thoughts of suicide). Children younger than 4 years may be at greater risk for increased blood pressure while using Keppra (see also Notes section). Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of Keppra, especially drowsiness, dizziness or loss of coordination. These side effects can increase the risk of falling. During pregnancy, Keppra should be used only when clearly needed. It may harm an unborn baby. However, since untreated seizures are a serious condition that can harm both a pregnant woman and her unborn baby, do not stop taking Keppra unless directed by your doctor. If you are planning pregnancy, become pregnant, or think you may be pregnant, immediately talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks of using Keppra during pregnancy. Keppra passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

• Keppra Misdose

  If you miss a dose of Keppra, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

• Keppra Interactions

  Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.orlistat.

• Keppra Side Effects

  What are Keppra side effects?

  Side effects are physical, mental or emotional symptoms which occur in addition to or outside of the desired effect of a therapeutic treatment such as an over-the-counter or prescribed drug or medication. Side effects from Keppra may occur at the beginning or at the end of treatment and may also depend on the length of time an individual remains on the treatment. Side effects, also known as adverse effects, are generally more likely to occur when starting treatment. Individuals may also experience side effects from Keppra as a result of an interaction with other medications.

  Side Effects of Keppra

  The side effects of Keppra may vary in number and intensity for many different reasons. Factors such as age, weight, gender and ethnicity may influence the side effects of Keppra. Also, an individual’s state of general physical health and seriousness of the disease or illness as well as an increase or decrease in dosage may lead to side effects. Further, side effects from Keppra may also occur as a result of an interaction with certain herbal supplements, foods or drinks.

  Prescription drug side effects can be serious and may cause patients to stop the treatment. However, when side effects from the use of a prescription drug, such as Keppra, do occur a patient should consult their physician. A physician may prescribe an additional treatment in order to control the symptoms or an adjustment in the dosage may be made. In addition, changes to diet, exercise or other lifestyle activities may help to lessen the side effects of Keppra.

  By understanding side effects and the factors which may influence the occurrence of side effects patients are empowered to take an active role in their care. Patients who have specific questions about the side effects of Keppra, or any other medication, should contact their physician. General information about Keppra and the side effects associated with Keppra are described in the following:

  Common Keppra Side Effects

  Severe

  • infection

  Less Severe

  • pharyngitis
  • drowsy
  • dizziness
  • fatigue
  • general weakness
  • anorexia
  • headache disorder
  • irritability
  • eosinophilia
  • nasal congestion

  Less Frequent Keppra Side Effects

  Severe

  • hostility

  Less Severe

  • mood changes
  • symptoms of anxiety
  • depersonalization
  • agitation
  • depression
  • aggressive behavior
  • hyperkinesis
  • diplopia
  • ecchymosis
  • rhinitis
  • sinusitis
  • anemia
  • neck pain
  • memory impairment
  • vertigo
  • insomnia
  • pain
  • paresthesia
  • cough
  • diarrhea
  • nervousness
  • indifference
  • hypertension
  • vomiting
  • lymphocytosis

  Rare or Very Rare Keppra Side Effects

  Severe

  • pancytopenia
  • thrombocytopenic disorder
  • leukopenia
  • neutropenic disorder
  • drug-induced psychosis
  • suicidal ideation
  • acute hepatic failure
  • hyponatremia
  • acute pancreatitis
  • chorea
  • hallucinations
  • erythema multiforme
  • abnormal hepatic function tests
  • Stevens-Johnson syndrome
  • toxic epidermal necrolysis
  • panic disorder
  • hepatitis
  • agranulocytosis
  • skin rash
  • DRESS syndrome
  • nephritis
  • acute renal failure
  • anaphylaxis
  • angioedema
  • rhabdomyolysis

  Less Severe

  • myalgias
  • disturbance of attention
  • gastroenteritis
  • constipation
  • blurred vision
  • alopecia
  • flu-like symptoms
  • ataxia
  • weight loss
  • behavioral disorders
  • dyskinesia
  • muscle weakness
  • eczema
  • pruritus of skin
  • personality disorders

• Keppra Storage

  Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard Keppra when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.