Keppra ratings & reviews

Levetiracetam
Company: UCB
Brand: Keppra
Drug class: Central and Peripheral Nervous System
+2 more
Central and Peripheral Nervous System, Anticonvulsants, Anticonvulsants, SV2A Inhibitors

Sermo AI Overview

  • Clinicians frequently commend Keppra's efficacy, often giving it high ratings for treating myoclonic and partial seizures. Despite its general tolerability, some patients may experience side effects that could impact their treatment adherence, especially those with prior mood disorders.
  • Keppra is broadly recognized for its accessibility and affordability as a treatment for seizures, with clinicians rating its effectiveness in controlling tonic-clonic and partial seizures positively. However, adherence may vary due to potential side effects like sedation and mood changes.
Based on insights from Sermo’s triple verified physicians

Description

Keppra contains the active ingredient levetiracetam, an antiepileptic drug used in an oral solution form. It is available as a clear, colorless to light yellow, grape-flavored liquid with a concentration of 100 mg/mL for oral administration. Key inactive ingredients include ammonium glycyrrhizinate, citric acid anhydrous, and glycerin.

Source: This information is sourced from FDA and powered by AI

Dosage & Administration

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Use a specially marked spoon or container to measure your medication. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. You may take this medication with or without food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medication more often than directed. Do not stop taking this medication except on the advice of your care team. Stopping your medication suddenly can increase your seizures or their severity. A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time. Contact your care team about the use of this medication in children. While this medication may be prescribed for children as young as 1 month of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once. NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of reach of children. Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from heat and light. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Side Effects

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible: -Allergic reactions or angioedema—skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, arms, or legs, trouble swallowing or breathing -Increase in blood pressure in children -Infection—fever, chills, cough, or sore throat -Loss of balance or coordination -Low red blood cell level—unusual weakness or fatigue, dizziness, headache, trouble breathing -Mood and behavior changes—anxiety, nervousness, confusion, hallucinations, irritability, hostility, thoughts of suicide or self-harm, worsening mood, feelings of depression -Rash, fever, and swollen lymph nodes -Redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth -Trouble walking -Unusual bruising or bleeding -Unusual weakness or fatigue Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome): -Dizziness -Drowsiness -Fatigue -Irritability -Loss of appetite

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings & Precautions

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions: -Kidney disease -Suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt by you or a family member -An unusual or allergic reaction to levetiracetam, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives -Pregnant or trying to get pregnant -Breast-feeding

What may interact with this medication?

This medication may interact with the following: -Carbamazepine -Colesevelam -Probenecid -Sevelamer

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for a regular check on your progress. Wear a medical identification bracelet or chain to say you have epilepsy, and carry a card that lists all your medications. This medication may cause serious skin reactions. They can happen weeks to months after starting the medication. Contact your care team right away if you notice fevers or flu-like symptoms with a rash. The rash may be red or purple and then turn into blisters or peeling of the skin. You may also notice a red rash with swelling of the face, lips, or lymph nodes in your neck or under your arms. It is important to take this medication exactly as instructed by your care team. When first starting treatment, your dose may need to be adjusted. It may take weeks or months before your dose is stable. You should contact your care team if your seizures get worse or if you have any new types of seizures. This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgment. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Drinking alcohol with this medication can increase the risk of these side effects. This medication may cause thoughts of suicide or depression. This includes sudden changes in mood, behaviors, or thoughts. These changes can happen at any time but are more common in the beginning of treatment or after a change in dose. Call your care team right away if you experience these thoughts or worsening depression. If you become pregnant while using this medication, you may enroll in the North American Antiepileptic Drug Pregnancy Registry by calling 1-888-233-2334. This registry collects information about the safety of antiepileptic medication use during pregnancy.

Source: This information is sourced from Elsevier Inc.

Disclaimer

The reviews, ratings, comments, and opinions expressed on this platform are solely those of the individual medical professionals who posted them and do not reflect the views or positions of Sermo, Inc. Sermo does not endorse, verify, or validate the content of individual reviews. The information provided is user-generated and reflects personal clinical experiences, which may not be complete, accurate, or applicable to your specific health needs. It is not intended as medical advice.

Prescription medications affect individuals differently, and what works for one person may not work for another. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist, or other qualified healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed applies to your personal circumstances. Only a licensed healthcare provider can advise you on what is safe and effective for you.

Keep all medications out of the reach of children, never share your medicine with others, and use each medication only as prescribed. Your reliance on any information provided on this platform is at your own risk.

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