Keppra

The active ingredient in Keppra is levetiracetam is an is an antiepileptic (another term for seizure drug). It joins with a protein (called SV2A) that is involved with the release of certain chemicals called neurotransmitters in the brain. This helps to regulate your brain activity and prevent seizures from occurring.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-approved product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Keppra. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Keppra:

• Keppra immediate-release tablets and oral solution are typically given twice a day, with or without food.
• If you are unable to take Keppra orally, the medication is administered intravenously.
• If you change brands, strengths, or forms of levetiracetam, your dosage requirements may alter. When a child acquires or loses weight, his or her dosage requirements may fluctuate. To avoid prescription errors, only use the brand, form, and strength prescribed by your doctor.
• Use the supplied syringe or dose-measuring device to measure liquid medicine.
• Swallow the extended-release tablet whole, without crushing, chewing, or breaking it.
• Your kidney function might need to be examined.

The most common side effects of Keppra (Levetiracetam) seen in clinical trials as compared to placebo include:

• Weakness, somnolence, tiredness, sleepiness, or drowsiness.
• Headaches.
• Infection.
• Flu-like symptoms or stuffy nose.
• Vomiting.
• Aggression or feeling irritable.
• Lowered appetite.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Keppra (Levetiracetam). These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following worsening effects, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Severe mood changes, panic attacks, or suicidal thoughts.
• Allergic reactions including low blood pressure, hives or skin rashes, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the face or mouth.
• Skin reactions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) or toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), which can cause blisters, skin peeling, or reddening.
• Low blood cell count which shows severe weakness, fever, weak immune system, bleeding or bruising easily. These could be signs of a severe skin reaction called drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS).

These are not all of the possible adverse reactions of Keppra. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Keppra (Levetiracetam), it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• Tell your healthcare provider if you have had or currently have kidney disease or kidney problems (such as dialysis treatment), depression or other mood issues, suicidal thoughts, or mental illness/psychosis.
• Do not administer this medication to a child without medical supervision. Different brands of levetiracetam are only for use in children of specific ages.
• Some people consider suicide when using Keppra. Your doctor or caregiver will need to monitor your development at regular visits. Your family or other carers should also be aware of any changes in your mood or symptoms.
• Wear a medical alert tag or carry an ID card indicating that you use Keppra. Any medical person who treats you should be aware that you take seizure medication.
• Keppra may impair your thinking and responses. Be cautious if you are driving or doing anything that requires you to be aware.
• Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or want to become pregnant while taking this drug, and do not begin or stop using Keppra during pregnancy without your doctor's approval. Seizure control is critical during pregnancy, and the advantages of avoiding seizures may exceed the dangers associated with using this medication.
• This medication may trigger severe allergic responses, such as anaphylaxis or angioedema, which can be life-threatening.

There are no given contraindications for the medication Keppra but it is always crucial to speak to your healthcare provider at the time to find out.

Keppra (Levetiracetam) begins working about an hour after you begin treatment, but it may take several weeks before you notice a reduction in seizures. This is because your doctor will most likely need to gradually increase your dose until it reaches the recommended level for you.

When Keppra (Levetiracetam) is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking so they can check for drug interactions, including:

• Calcifediol.
• Methotrexate.
• Orlistat.
• Carbamazepine.
• Ginkgo.
• Lamotrigine.

The normal dose is determined by your age, weight, and the type of seizure you have, and your healthcare provider will calculate and establish the appropriate dose for you. If you have kidney problems, your dosage may alter.

Keppra (Levetiracetam) comes in two formulations: immediate-release (IR) and extended-release (ER or XR). IR formulations comprise both tablets and oral solutions, whereas ER versions are exclusively accessible as tablets. Dosing for different formulations may vary, so follow the instructions provided by your clinician for your specific medication.

In the case of a missed dose, take it right away. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missing dose and resume your normal dosing plan. Do not duplicate the doses.

Store Keppra in a cool, dry place, at room temperature and out of the reach of children.

UCB is a pharmaceutical company that produces Keppra (Levetiracetam).

There are several lower-cost generics of Keppra, with the active ingredient of levetiracetam.

Even if you are feeling fine, do not discontinue taking Keppra without first consulting your doctor. If you suddenly stop taking this medication, you may experience an increase in seizures. You should be tapered off Keppra and possibly given an alternative treatment before stopping it completely.

Do not begin or stop Keppra (levetiracetam), during pregnancy without consulting your doctor. Seizures during pregnancy can endanger both the mother and the baby. Inform your doctor if you become pregnant. Your dosage requirements may change during pregnancy. If you are pregnant, you should enroll in the pregnancy registry that monitors the effects of levetiracetam on you and your baby.

According to existing information, Keppra may cause your baby to get sleepy. The medicine may also have an impact on their capacity to acquire weight and reach developmental milestones. This is due to the potentially high quantities of medicine detected in breast milk. Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.