What are the common side effects of levetiracetam 500mg. How can patients manage drowsiness and dizziness associated with levetiracetam. When should you seek immediate medical attention while taking levetiracetam.

Understanding Levetiracetam: An Overview of the Anticonvulsant Medication

Levetiracetam is a widely prescribed anticonvulsant medication used primarily in the treatment of epilepsy. It belongs to a class of drugs known as anticonvulsants and works by decreasing abnormal electrical activity in the brain. While effective in managing seizures, levetiracetam, like all medications, can cause side effects that patients should be aware of.

What is levetiracetam used for?

Levetiracetam is primarily used to treat various types of seizures in patients with epilepsy. It can be prescribed as:

• Monotherapy for partial-onset seizures in adults and children 4 years and older
• Adjunctive therapy for partial-onset seizures in adults and children 1 month and older
• Adjunctive therapy for myoclonic seizures in adults and children 12 years and older with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy
• Adjunctive therapy for primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures in adults and children 6 years and older

How does levetiracetam work?

The exact mechanism of action for levetiracetam is not fully understood. However, it is believed to work by binding to a synaptic vesicle protein called SV2A in the brain. This interaction is thought to reduce the release of neurotransmitters, thereby decreasing abnormal electrical activity that can lead to seizures.

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 attention.

What are the most frequent side effects of levetiracetam?

Common side effects of levetiracetam 500mg, occurring in more than 1 in 10 people, include:

• Drowsiness and sleepiness
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Nasal congestion or sore throat
• Nausea and vomiting
• Irritability or agitation
• Aggression

How can patients manage drowsiness and dizziness associated with levetiracetam?

To manage drowsiness and dizziness:

1. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how the medication affects you
2. Take the medication at bedtime if drowsiness is particularly bothersome
3. Speak with your doctor about adjusting the dosage or timing of the medication
4. Allow your body time to adjust to the medication, as these side effects often improve over time

Dealing with Gastrointestinal Side Effects

Gastrointestinal issues are common side effects of many medications, including levetiracetam. Understanding how to manage these symptoms can significantly improve a patient’s quality of life while on this medication.

How can patients alleviate nausea and vomiting caused by levetiracetam?

To alleviate nausea and vomiting:

• Take levetiracetam with food or after meals
• Eat smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day
• Avoid rich, spicy, or fatty foods
• Stay hydrated by sipping water or clear fluids
• Consider asking your doctor about anti-nausea medications if symptoms persist

Managing Behavioral and Mood-Related Side Effects

Levetiracetam can sometimes cause changes in behavior or mood. These side effects can be concerning for patients and their families, but there are strategies to manage them effectively.

How should patients address irritability or aggression associated with levetiracetam?

To address irritability or aggression:

1. Communicate openly with your healthcare provider about any mood changes
2. Consider keeping a mood journal to track changes and potential triggers
3. Practice stress-reduction techniques such as deep breathing or meditation
4. Engage in regular physical exercise, which can help improve mood
5. Discuss the possibility of adjusting the medication dosage with your doctor
6. If symptoms are severe, your doctor may consider alternative treatments

Recognizing and Responding to Serious Side Effects

While rare, levetiracetam can cause serious side effects that require immediate medical attention. Being aware of these potential reactions can help patients seek timely care when necessary.

When should you seek immediate medical attention while taking levetiracetam?

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Signs of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or severe rash
• Sudden changes in mood, behavior, or thoughts of self-harm
• Worsening of seizures
• Signs of kidney problems, including decreased urination, swelling in the legs or feet, or confusion
• Unusual bruising or bleeding
• Severe skin reactions, including blistering or peeling

Long-Term Considerations and Monitoring

Patients taking levetiracetam long-term should be aware of the importance of regular monitoring and follow-up care to ensure the medication remains safe and effective.

What regular monitoring is recommended for patients on long-term levetiracetam therapy?

For long-term levetiracetam therapy, the following monitoring is recommended:

1. Regular blood tests to check kidney function and complete blood count
2. Periodic liver function tests
3. Regular check-ups with your neurologist to assess seizure control and medication effectiveness
4. Monitoring of mood and behavior changes
5. Assessment of bone health, as long-term use of antiepileptic drugs may affect bone density

Drug Interactions and Precautions

Understanding potential drug interactions and precautions is crucial for patients taking levetiracetam to ensure safe and effective treatment.

What are important drug interactions to be aware of with levetiracetam?

Important drug interactions to be aware of include:

• Other antiepileptic drugs, which may increase the risk of side effects
• Alcohol, which can increase drowsiness and dizziness
• Oral contraceptives, as levetiracetam may reduce their effectiveness
• Methotrexate, as levetiracetam may increase its blood levels
• Probenecid, which may affect how the body processes levetiracetam

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

Special Populations and Levetiracetam Use

Certain populations may require special considerations when using levetiracetam. Understanding these specific situations can help ensure safe and appropriate use of the medication.

How should levetiracetam be used in pregnancy and breastfeeding?

For pregnancy and breastfeeding:

• Pregnant women should discuss the risks and benefits of levetiracetam use with their healthcare provider
• Levetiracetam can pass into breast milk, so breastfeeding mothers should consult their doctor about the potential risks to the infant
• In some cases, the benefits of seizure control may outweigh potential risks to the fetus or infant
• Close monitoring during pregnancy and after birth is essential for women taking levetiracetam

What considerations are necessary for elderly patients taking levetiracetam?

For elderly patients:

1. Dosage adjustments may be necessary due to decreased kidney function
2. Increased risk of side effects, particularly drowsiness and dizziness
3. Greater susceptibility to falls and injuries due to these side effects
4. Regular monitoring of kidney function is crucial
5. Careful consideration of drug interactions with other medications commonly used by older adults

By understanding the potential side effects, management strategies, and important considerations associated with levetiracetam 500mg, patients can work closely with their healthcare providers to optimize their treatment while minimizing risks. Regular communication about any concerns or new symptoms is key to ensuring safe and effective use of this important anticonvulsant medication.

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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