Levetiracetam Tablet: Benefits, Side Effects and Precautions

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 Tablet Uses

Conditions Levetiracetam Used to Treat

• Myoclonic seizures: 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: 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: 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.

What Is It Commonly Used For?

• Treating partial-onset seizures
• Managing generalized tonic-clonic seizures
• Used for myoclonic seizures in certain types of epilepsy

Quick Highlight of Its Benefits or Effectiveness

• Effective in both children and adults
• Can be used alone or with other medications
• Lower risk of drug interactions compared to older anticonvulsants

Levetiracetam Dosage

• Epilepsy dose
• Immediate release - 500mg 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

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?

• Take it as soon as possible
• If near the next dose, skip the missed one
• Do not double the dose

What Happens If an Overdose?

Symptoms of overdose:

• Extreme drowsiness
• Agitation or aggression
• Difficulty breathing
• Loss of consciousness

Seek emergency medical help immediately in case of suspected overdose.

Levetiracetam Side Effects

Levetiracetam Dosage can lead to some common side effects, such as:

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Tiredness
• Fatigue
• Mood Swings
• Headache

Serious but Rare Side Effects

• Severe mood swings, depression, or suicidal thoughts
• Hallucinations
• Allergic reactions (rash, itching, difficulty breathing)

Inform your doctor immediately if mood symptoms worsen or suicidal thoughts occur.

If you’re struggling with symptoms like seizures or mood changes, consider consulting a Neurologist for timely care and advanced seizure control options.

Precautions and Warnings

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.

If you or your loved one are managing epilepsy or experiencing seizures, you can book an appointment at Medicover Hospitals for expert evaluation and personalized treatment.

Conditions Where Caution Is Needed

• Kidney disease - may require dose adjustment
• Mental health issues - may worsen depression or anxiety
• History of suicidal thoughts

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Using Levetiracetam?

• Approved for use in children as young as 1 month (liquid form)
• Dosage is carefully adjusted for children and infants

Alcohol or Food Interactions

Alcohol:

• Increases the risk of drowsiness and dizziness
• Avoid alcohol while taking Levetiracetam

Food:

• Can be taken with or without food
• Food does not affect absorption

Possible Interactions with Other Medications

May Interact With:

• Other CNS depressants (e.g., benzodiazepines) - increased sedation
• Antidepressants - may increase the risk of mood changes

How Should Levetiracetam Be Stored?

Recommended Storage Instructions

• Store at 20-25°C (68-77°F)
• Keep in original packaging and away from moisture

What Happens If Levetiracetam Is Not Stored Properly?

• Can degrade and lose effectiveness
• Discard if tablets become discolored or crumbly

References

JLE - Epileptic Disorders - Antimyoclonic effect of levetiracetam