Levetiracetam is used in adults and children with epilepsy to treat some forms of seizures in combination with other drugs. Levetiracetam belongs to a family of drugs called anticonvulsants. It reduces abnormal excitement in the brain.
Levetiracetam Uses
Myoclonic seizures:Β approved for use in the treatment of myoclonic seizures in adults and juvenile myoclonic epilepsy in adolescents 12 years of age and older as adjunctive therapy.
Partial seizures:Β It can be used as adjunctive therapy in adults and children aged one month or older with epilepsy for the treatment of partial seizures.
Primary generalized tonic-clonic seizure:Β Used for adjunctive therapy in adults and children above five years of age with idiopathic generalized epilepsy for the treatment of primary generalized tonic-clonic seizure.
Off-label (non-FDA-approved) for epileptic status and prophylaxis of seizures in subarachnoid hemorrhage is also used.
Levetiracetam Side Effects
Levetiracetam DosageΒ can lead to some serious side effects, such as:
Drowsiness
Dizziness
Tiredness
Fatigue
Levetiracetam Dosage
Epilepsy dose
Immediate release- 500 mg orally
Extended-Release (Partial-Onset Seizures Only):
Primary dose: 1000 mg orally once per day
Seizures dose
Initial
Primary Dose: Oral 500 mg
Based on effectiveness and tolerability, an increase in increments of 500 mg twice a day every two weeks
Maintenance dose: 500 to 1500 mg twice daily orally
3000 mg/day Daily dose
Extended-Release (Only partial-onset seizures)
Primary dose: 1000 mg once a day by mouth
Based on effectiveness and tolerability, an increase in increments of 1000 mg per 2 weeks
Maintenance dose: orally from 1000 to 3000 mg once a day
3000 mg/day Daily dose
Precautions
Before taking the Levetiracetam tablet, get a proper consultation and follow precautions.
Children may be more responsive to the drug’s side effects, especially mental/mood changes (such as irritability, aggression, anger, anxiety, agitation, depression, and thoughts of suicide).
Children under the age of 4 could be at greater risk of high blood pressure while taking this medication.
Older adults may be more prone to side effects of this medication, particularly sleepiness, dizziness, or lack of balance, which may raise the risk of falling.
During pregnancy, it may be avoided, as it can harm the baby. Take only when urgently required.
Inform your doctor if you have or have ever had diseases like kidney, depression, mood swings, or suicidal thoughts, or behavior change.
