What are the common side effects of levetiracetam 500mg. How can patients manage these side effects effectively. What are the serious side effects that require immediate medical attention. How does levetiracetam work to control seizures.

Understanding Levetiracetam: Mechanism of Action and Uses

Levetiracetam is an anticonvulsant medication primarily used to treat epilepsy and seizure disorders. It belongs to a class of drugs known as anticonvulsants and works by stabilizing electrical activity in the brain. The exact mechanism of action is not fully understood, but it is believed to bind to a specific protein in neurons, reducing the release of neurotransmitters that can trigger seizures.

This medication is often prescribed in combination with other antiepileptic drugs to manage various types of seizures, including:

• Partial onset seizures
• Myoclonic seizures
• Primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures

Levetiracetam is available in different formulations, including tablets, oral solutions, and extended-release tablets. The 500mg dosage is a common starting point for many patients, though the exact dosage may vary based on individual factors and the severity of the condition.

Common Side Effects of Levetiracetam 500mg

While levetiracetam is generally well-tolerated, it can cause various side effects. Understanding these potential reactions can help patients better manage their treatment and know when to seek medical advice. The most common side effects of levetiracetam 500mg include:

1. Nasal and Throat Irritation

A blocked nose or itchy throat can occur in some patients taking levetiracetam. These symptoms are usually mild and can often be managed with over-the-counter remedies. If persistent, consult your healthcare provider for appropriate solutions.

2. Drowsiness and Dizziness

Feeling sleepy or dizzy is a frequent side effect, especially when starting treatment or after a dose increase. This can affect daily activities and potentially impair driving or operating machinery. It’s crucial to avoid these activities until you understand how the medication affects you.

3. Headaches

Levetiracetam may cause headaches in some patients. These are typically mild and can be managed with proper hydration and rest. If headaches persist or become severe, it’s important to discuss this with your doctor.

4. Behavioral Changes

Some patients may experience mood alterations, including irritability, agitation, or aggression. While these changes can be concerning, it’s essential to communicate any behavioral shifts to your healthcare provider promptly.

5. Gastrointestinal Issues

Nausea and vomiting are potential side effects of levetiracetam. These symptoms often improve as the body adjusts to the medication. Proper hydration and dietary adjustments can help manage these issues.

Managing Common Side Effects: Practical Tips

Effectively managing side effects can significantly improve the treatment experience for patients taking levetiracetam 500mg. Here are some practical strategies to address common side effects:

• For nasal and throat irritation, consider using saline nasal sprays or lozenges to alleviate discomfort.
• To combat drowsiness, try taking the medication at bedtime or as directed by your doctor.
• Stay well-hydrated and maintain a balanced diet to help mitigate headaches and gastrointestinal issues.
• Keep a symptom diary to track any behavioral changes and discuss them with your healthcare provider.
• If experiencing nausea, try taking levetiracetam with food or a small snack.

Remember, many side effects tend to improve as your body adjusts to the medication. However, if symptoms persist or worsen, it’s crucial to consult your doctor, who may adjust your dosage or consider alternative treatments.

Serious Side Effects Requiring Immediate Attention

While rare, levetiracetam can cause serious side effects that require prompt medical intervention. Recognizing these symptoms is crucial for patient safety. Serious side effects may include:

1. Worsening Seizures

If seizures become more frequent or severe while taking levetiracetam, immediate medical attention is necessary. This could indicate that the medication is not effectively controlling the condition or that dosage adjustments are needed.

2. Signs of Kidney Problems

Symptoms such as decreased urine output, swelling in the legs or ankles, and unusual fatigue or confusion may indicate kidney issues. These symptoms should be reported to a healthcare provider immediately.

3. Mental Health Changes

Severe mood alterations, confusion, memory loss, or unusual behavior changes could be signs of serious mental health effects. These symptoms require immediate medical evaluation.

4. Allergic Reactions

Although rare, severe allergic reactions to levetiracetam can occur. Symptoms may include:

• Sudden swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Severe skin reactions, including rash or blistering

These symptoms require emergency medical attention.

Drug Interactions and Precautions

Understanding potential drug interactions and taking necessary precautions can help maximize the effectiveness of levetiracetam while minimizing risks. Some important considerations include:

Interactions with Other Medications

Levetiracetam may interact with various medications, including:

• Other antiepileptic drugs
• Certain antidepressants
• Methotrexate
• Probenecid

Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking to avoid potential interactions.

Special Populations

Certain groups may require special consideration when taking levetiracetam:

• Pregnant women: The potential risks and benefits should be carefully evaluated.
• Breastfeeding mothers: Levetiracetam can pass into breast milk, and its effects on infants are not fully known.
• Elderly patients: Dose adjustments may be necessary due to potential changes in kidney function.
• Patients with kidney problems: Dosage modifications may be required based on kidney function.

Long-term Use and Monitoring

Long-term use of levetiracetam requires ongoing monitoring to ensure its continued effectiveness and safety. Regular check-ups with your healthcare provider are essential for:

• Assessing seizure control and adjusting dosage if necessary
• Monitoring kidney function through blood tests
• Evaluating any persistent side effects
• Addressing any concerns or questions about the medication

Your doctor may also recommend periodic liver function tests and complete blood counts to monitor for any potential long-term effects of the medication.

Alternative Treatment Options and Lifestyle Modifications

While levetiracetam is an effective treatment for many patients with epilepsy, it’s not the only option available. Discussing alternative treatments with your healthcare provider can be beneficial, especially if you’re experiencing significant side effects or inadequate seizure control. Some alternatives may include:

• Other antiepileptic medications
• Vagus nerve stimulation
• Ketogenic diet
• Surgical interventions for specific types of epilepsy

In addition to medication, certain lifestyle modifications can complement epilepsy treatment and potentially reduce seizure frequency:

• Maintaining a regular sleep schedule
• Managing stress through relaxation techniques or counseling
• Avoiding known seizure triggers, such as alcohol or certain foods
• Regular exercise, as approved by your healthcare provider

It’s important to work closely with your healthcare team to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and goals. Remember, effective epilepsy management often involves a multifaceted approach combining medication, lifestyle changes, and regular medical follow-ups.

Side effects of levetiracetam – NHS

Like all medicines, levetiracetam can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.

Common side effects

These common side effects of levetiracetam may happen in more than 1 in 10 people. There are things you can do to help cope with them:

A blocked nose or itchy throat

If it’s bothering you, ask your pharmacist for something to help your symptoms. If they do not wear off, tell your doctor.

Feeling drowsy, sleepy or dizzy

Do not drive, ride a bike, or operate machinery until you feel more alert.

As your body gets used to levetiracetam, these side effects should wear off. If they do not wear off within 1 or 2 weeks, your doctor may reduce your dose or increase it more slowly. If that does not work, you may need to switch to a different medicine.

Headaches

Make sure you rest and drink plenty of fluids. Do not drink too much alcohol. If headaches are a problem, ask your pharmacist to recommend a painkiller.

Talk to your doctor if your headaches last longer than a week or are severe.

Aggression, or feeling irritable or agitated

Talk to your doctor if you have any of these side effects.

Feeling sick or being sick (nausea or vomiting)

Stick to simple meals and do not eat rich or spicy food. It might help to take your levetiracetam after a meal or snack.

If you’re being sick, take small, frequent sips of water to avoid dehydration. Signs of dehydration include peeing less than usual or having dark, strong-smelling pee.

Do not take any medicines to treat vomiting without speaking to a pharmacist or doctor. Speak to a doctor if your symptoms get worse or last longer than a week.

If you take contraceptive pills and you’re being sick, your contraception may not protect you from pregnancy. Check the pill packet to find out what to do.

Serious side effects

Tell a doctor or call 111 straight away if you have a serious side effect, including:

• fits or seizures getting worse
• passing very little pee, feeling tired or confused, or having swollen legs, ankles or feet – these could be signs of kidney problems
• signs of serious mental changes, or someone around you notices signs of confusion, sleepiness, loss of memory, forgetfulness, abnormal behaviour or uncontrolled movements

Very few people taking levetiracetam have serious side effects.

Immediate action required: Go to A&E or call 999 now if:

• you have thoughts of harming or killing yourself

Serious allergic reaction

In rare cases, it’s possible to have a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to levetiracetam.

Immediate action required: Call 999 now if:

• your lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly become swollen
• you’re breathing very fast or struggling to breathe (you may become very wheezy or feel like you’re choking or gasping for air)
• your throat feels tight or you’re struggling to swallow
• your skin, tongue or lips turn blue, grey or pale (if you have black or brown skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet)
• you suddenly become very confused, drowsy or dizzy
• someone faints and cannot be woken up
• a child is limp, floppy or not responding like they normally do (their head may fall to the side, backwards or forwards, or they may find it difficult to lift their head or focus on your face)

You or the person who’s unwell may also have a rash that’s swollen, raised, itchy, blistered or peeling.

These can be signs of a serious allergic reaction and may need immediate treatment in hospital.

Other side effects

These are not all the side effects of levetiracetam. For a full list, see the leaflet inside your medicine packet.

Information:

You can report any suspected side effect using the Yellow Card safety scheme.

Visit Yellow Card for further information.

Page last reviewed: 10 May 2022

Next review due: 10 May 2025

Levetiracetam Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing

Uses

Levetiracetam is used with other medications 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 Levetiracetam Tablet For Suspension

Read the Medication Guide 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 this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually twice a day.

Carefully remove the tablet(s) from the foil packet as directed by the product package. Do not push the tablet(s) through the foil. Dry your hands before handling the medication. Place each dose on the tongue and take a sip of liquid. Allow the medication to completely dissolve before swallowing it. Do not swallow the tablet(s) whole.

The tablet(s) may also be placed in a cup with a small amount of liquid (1 tablespoon/15 milliliters). Swirl the mixture gently, then drink all of the mixture right away. To make sure you have taken all of the medication, add another small amount of liquid to the cup to rinse it, and drink it right away.

The dosage 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 this medication at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.

Use this medication 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 this drug 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 this medication 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.

Side Effects

Drowsiness, dizziness, unusual tiredness, or weakness may occur. These side effects are more common during the first 4 weeks and usually lessen as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, such as: loss of coordination (such as difficulty walking and controlling muscles), mental/mood changes (such as irritability, aggression, agitation, anger, anxiety), signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn’t go away, fever, chills), signs of anemia (such as unusual tiredness that doesn’t go away, pale skin, fast breathing, fast heartbeat), easy bruising/bleeding.

A small number of people who take anticonvulsants for any condition (such as seizures, bipolar disorder, pain) may experience depression, suicidal thoughts/attempts, or other mental/mood problems. Tell your doctor right away if you or your family/caregiver notice any unusual/sudden changes in your mood, thoughts, or behavior including signs of depression, suicidal thoughts/attempts, thoughts about harming yourself.

Levetiracetam can commonly cause a rash that is usually not serious. However, you may not be able to tell it apart from a rare rash that could be a sign of a severe reaction. Tell your doctor right away if you develop any rash.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, such as: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www. fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

Before taking levetiracetam, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease (such as dialysis treatment), mental/mood disorders (such as depression).

This drug 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 (such as 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 this drug (see also Notes section).

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially drowsiness, dizziness or loss of coordination. These side effects can increase the risk of falling.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

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.

A product that may interact with this drug is: orlistat.

Does Levetiracetam Tablet For Suspension interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: slow/shallow breathing, loss of consciousness.

Do not share this medication with others.

Lab and/or medical tests (such as kidney function, complete blood count) may be done while you are taking this medication. In children younger than 4 years, blood pressure may also be monitored. Consult your doctor for more details.

If you miss a dose, 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.

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 this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.

CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.

The use of levetiracetam in the treatment of children with cancer

Anticonvulsant

Trademarks:

Keppra®, Spiratam®

Often used for:

Seizures

Levetiracetam is a drug that helps relieve seizures.

During therapy, tests may be performed to monitor the level of levetiracetam in the blood. Depending on the content in the blood, the dosage of the drug may vary.

This drug is available in regular and extended release forms. Follow dosage instructions carefully.

Administered intravenously (through a drip) in liquid form

Oral tablets

Oral liquid form

• Drowsiness
• Increased fatigue or general weakness
  
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Dizziness
• Loss of balance or coordination
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Abdominal pain
• Headache
• Stuffy nose
• Sleep disorders
• Irritability, mood swings or personality changes

The listed side effects are not observed in all patients who are prescribed levetiracetam. The most common side effects are highlighted in bold, but others are not excluded. Report all possible side effects to your doctor or pharmacist.

Be sure to discuss these and other recommendations with your doctor or pharmacist.

• This drug may cause dizziness and drowsiness and increase the risk of falls.
• You can stop taking levetiracetam only in consultation with your doctor.
• Patients of reproductive age who have been prescribed levetiracetam should consult their doctor before planning pregnancy.
• Pregnant or breastfeeding patients should notify their physician.

Levetiracetam home use:

• The drug should be taken at the same time every day.
• The tablets should be swallowed whole. Do not crush or chew before taking.
• Absorbable tablets (Spritam®) should be held on the tongue until completely dissolved (about 10 seconds) and then taken with a sip of liquid. You can also dissolve the tablet in 1 teaspoon of liquid and swallow immediately. Pour some more liquid into the glass and drink to get the full dose of the drug. It is not allowed to swallow the drug whole, as well as crush or chew it.
• When taking levetiracetam in liquid form, measure the dosage using the measuring device included in the kit.
• Store at room temperature.
• Take your dose as soon as possible if you miss it. Do not do this only if there are no more than 4 hours left until the next appointment. In no case do not double the dose at the next dose!
• Do not use an expired drug.
• Follow instructions for safe storage and disposal of this product.

Learn more about levetiracetam

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