Keppra (Levetiracetam)

Keppra (Levetiracetam) Medication Information

Uses

Keppra is used to treat partial onset seizures, myoclonic seizures, and primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures.

Dosage

The tablets are available in several strengths:

• 250 mg
• 500 mg
• 750 mg
• 1000 mg

Side Effects

The most common side effects of Keppra include:

• Somnolence
• Asthenia
• Dizziness
• Infection

Speak with your doctor for a full list of side effects that apply to you if you are taking Levetiracetam.

Precautions

Patients taking Keppra should be monitored for behavioral changes, like suicidal behavior, irritability, and aggressive behavior. 

Keppra can cause fatigue and somnolence, and patients should be cautious when they start treatment or increase their dose. 

Stopping Levetiracetam quickly can cause withdrawal seizures. 

Interactions

Common medications that interact with Keppra are listed:

• Phenytoin
• Valproate
• Oral birth control
• Digoxin
• Warfarin
• Probenecid

Speak with your doctor for more information and before starting a new medication with Levetiracetam. 

Storage

Store between room temperature (77ºF). 

Pharmacist Tips

• Keppra can change your behavior and cause suicidal behavior, patients should be monitored for these changes. 
• Keppra can make you tired and dizzy, so patients should be careful when driving or operating heavy machinery. 
• This medication can cause a serious skin reaction, if you develop a rash contact your doctor immediately.
  

Levetiracetam FAQs

How long does Keppra take to stop seizures?

Levetiracetam is maximally absorbed in 1 and a half hours. 

What exactly does Keppra do to the brain?

The exact way that Keppra works on the brain is not fully understood. But it is believed to change the release of neurotransmitters by binding to synaptic vesicles. 

What type of seizures does Keppra treat?

Keppra is used to treat partial onset, myoclonic, and tonic-clonic seizures. 

Does Keppra cause personality changes?

One of the side effects seen with Levetiracetam is changes in behavior, like an increase in aggression and suicide ideation. 

Related Drugs

• Aptiom
• Depakote
• Dilantin
• Keppra Solution
• Keppra XR
• Lamictal
• Lamictal CD
• Lamictal ODT
• Tegretol XR
• Topamax
• Trileptal

Reference:

Keppra {package insert}. Smyrna, UCB Inc.; 2017.

https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/021035s099,021505s038lbl.pdf