Keppra XR

(Levetiracetam ER)

The active ingredient in Keppra XR is levetiracetam. As an anticonvulsant, its mechanism of action involves controlling the excessive brain activity that can cause seizure disorders. However, the exact mechanism by which Keppra XR does this is unknown.

Other anticonvulsants include carbamazepine, lamotrigine, phenytoin, valproate, and more.

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 XR. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Keppra XR:

• Keppra XR should be used exactly as prescribed.
• It is typically taken once daily with or without food. Tablets must be taken whole. Do not crush, chew, or split tablets. Doing so alters the extended-release formulation, causing the medication to be released too quickly.
• Keppra XR can make you feel sleepy. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how it affects you.
• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

The most common side effects of Keppra XR include:

• Drowsiness
• Irritability
• Cold and flu-like symptoms
• Undigested pieces of the medicine in your stools

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

• New or worsening depression, behavior changes, having thoughts of suicide, or having delusions or hallucinations. Any unusual changes should be followed up on.
• Excessive drowsiness or sleepiness.
• Problems coordinating your muscles while walking and moving.
• Low blood cell counts that can increase your risk of anemia, infection, and bruising or bleeding.
• Signs of a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis, angioedema) such as hives, rash, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, eyes, or tongue.
• Signs of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) that include a widespread skin rash that may be painful, cause skin peeling, or blistering. These are life-threatening skin reactions that require prompt medical attention.
• Signs of DRESS (Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms), a life-threatening condition that can affect your skin, liver, kidneys, lungs, heart, and blood cells. It is often accompanied by swelling of the face, fever, swollen glands in the neck, shortness of breath, yellowing of the skin or the eyes, and dark urine.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Keppra XR. 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 XR, 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:

• A history of depression, mood problems, or suicidal thoughts or behaviors
• Kidney problems
• Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
• Are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed

Do not use Keppra XR if you have an allergy to levetiracetam or any of the other ingredients in this medication.

It can take a couple of weeks of regular use for the medication to reach sufficient levels to prevent your seizures.

When Keppra XR 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 to avoid any negative drug interactions. This includes other medications that can cause drowsiness, like benzodiazepines, antihistamines, antidepressants, antipsychotics, and other seizure meds.

Keppra XR extended-release tablets are available in strengths of 500 mg and 750 mg.

Levetiracetam is also available as immediate-release products that have a faster onset of action but have to be taken more often in the day. Dosage forms include tablets and an oral solution. The oral solution is available under the brand names Keppra and Spritam.

Keppra XR should be stored at room temperature, away from light and moisture, and out of reach of children.

Keppra XR is manufactured by the pharmaceutical company UCB.

Yes, there is a generic available for the brand-name Keppra XR.

Antiseizure medications are often long-term medications. It is important that you take them every day, as missed doses can greatly increase your risk of a seizure. Stopping abruptly can cause status epilepticus, a condition where seizures are ongoing and do not stop. Consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing medications while taking Keppra.

It is unknown if Keppra XR is safe in pregnancy. Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

If you become pregnant while using Keppra XR, talk to your healthcare provider about registering with the North American Antiepileptic Drug Pregnancy Registry. This registry collects important information about the safety of using Keppra XR in pregnancy.

Keppra XR can pass into the breast milk. However, it is unknown if it has an impact on lactation or if it is safe for the baby. 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.