Levetiracetam - Benefits, dosage and side effects

Levetiracetam is a drug to relieve seizures due to epilepsy. This drug can be used alone or in combination with other drugs. This medicine should only be used according to a doctor's prescription

How this drug works is not known for certain. However, the anticonvulsant effect of this drug is thought to stem from its ability to block electrical activity associated with calcium channels or its ability to affect the release of certain chemicals in the brain (neurotransmitters).

Levetiracetam trademarks: Keppra,Lethira, Levetiracetam, Levexa

What is Levetiracetam

Class	Prescription drugs
Categories	Anticonvulsants
Benefits	Relieve seizures due to epilepsy
Consumed by	Adults and children
Levetiracetam for pregnant and lactating women	Category C: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. Levetiracetam can be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first.
Medicine form	Tablets

Warning Before Taking Levetiracetam

Levetiracetam should only be used according to a doctor's prescription. Here are some things you need to pay attention to before taking levetiracetam:

• Tell your doctor about any allergies you have. Levetiracetam should not be given to patients who are allergic to this drug.
• Tell your doctor if you have or are currently suffering from kidney disease or a mental disorder, such as depression or psychosis.
• Tell your doctor if you have ever hurt yourself or have suicidal thoughts.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
• Avoid driving a vehicle or engaging in activities that require alertness while taking levetiracetam, as this drug can cause dizziness and drowsiness.
• Tell your doctor that you are taking levetiracetam if you plan to have surgery or certain medical procedures.
• Discuss with your doctor about the use of levetiracetam for children under 4 years old or the elderly, because its use in this age group can increase the risk of side effects.
• Do not consume alcoholic beverages while you are taking levetiracetam, as this will increase the risk of side effects.
• Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements or herbal products.
• See your doctor immediately if you have an allergic reaction, serious side effects, or overdose after taking levetiracetam

Dosage and Instructions for Use of Levetiracetam

The dose of levetiracetam is different for each patient. The doctor will determine the dose according to the patient's age and the condition to be treated. Here is the explanation:

Purpose: As a single therapy to relieve seizures

• Adults: The initial dose is 250 mg, 2 times a day. The dose may be increased to 500 mg, 2 times daily, after 2 weeks of treatment. Maximum dose 1,500 mg, 2 times a day.

Purpose: As additional therapy to relieve seizures

• Adults: The initial dose is 500 mg, 2 times a day. The dose can be reduced or increased from the initial dose after 2–4 weeks of treatment. Maximum dose 1,500 mg, 2 times a day.
• Children aged 1–5 months: The initial dose is 14 mg/kgBW per day The dose can be increased after 2 weeks. The maximum dose is 42 mg/kgBW per day.
• Children aged 6 months weighing <50 kg: The initial dose is 20 mg/kgBW per day. The dose can be increased after 2 weeks. The maximum dose is 60 mg/kgBW per day.

How to Take Levetiracetam Correctly

Take levetiracetam according to the doctor's recommendations and the instructions on the drug package. Do not change the dose without consulting your doctor first. Levetiracetam can be taken before or after meals.

Take levetiracetam tablets whole. Do not crush, chew or split this medicine as this may affect the effectiveness of the medicine.

If you forget to take levetiracetam, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of your next dose, ignore the missed dose. Do not double the dose of levetiracetam to make up for the missed dose.

Do not stop treatment with levetiracetam even if you feel better, unless advised by your doctor.

During treatment, you will undergo regular kidney function tests to monitor your condition, response to therapy, and possible side effects.

Store levetiracetam in a place away from direct sunlight. Keep levetiracetam out of the reach of children.

Levetiracetam Interactions with Other Drugs

There are several interactions that can occur if levetiracetam is taken with certain drugs, including:

• Increased risk of side effects, such as dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, or difficulty concentrating, if taken with propoxyphene, sodium oxybate, or ketamine
• Increased toxic effect of methotrexate
• Increased risk of fatal side effects, such as coma, when taken with buprenorphine

Side Effects and Dangers of Levetiracetam

Some of the side effects that can occur after taking levetiracetam are:

• Dizziness or headache
• Stuffy nose
• Sleepy
• Exhaustion
• Nausea and vomiting

Check with a doctor if the complaints mentioned above don't go away or get worse. Go to the doctor immediately if you experience a drug allergic reaction or serious side effects, such as:

• The desire to hurt oneself or commit suicide
• Disorders of kidney function, which can be characterized by infrequent urination, very little urine, or swelling in the legs
• Seizures that are severe or occur more frequently
• Loss of balance, hallucinations, anxiety, restlessness, or irritability
• Infectious disease, which can be characterized by symptoms such as fever or sore throat that doesn't get better
• Easy to bruise
• Anemia, which can be characterized by symptoms such as pale skin, weakness, fatigue, or lethargy