Levetiracetam belongs to the class of medications called anti-epileptics. It is used, in combination with other seizure-control medications, to treat and prevent seizures associated with epilepsy. Levetiracetam does not cure epilepsy and only works to control seizures as long as the medication is taken. Levetiracetam works by affecting the transmission of nerve signals in the brain.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

The usual recommended adult dose of levetiracetam is 500 mg twice a day, with or without food according to your doctor's instructions. This dose may be increased to a maximum of 3,000 mg per day, according to need and as prescribed by doctor. People with poor kidney function may need a lower dose.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones above, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor. Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without checking with your doctor.

It is very important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you forget a dose of this medication, take it as soon as you remember it. However, if it is less than two hours until your next dose, take the missed dose right away and take the next dose one to two hours later. Then go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Keppra^® is available in strengths of 250 mg, 500 mg, and 750 mg.

250 mg: Each blue, oblong-shaped, film-coated tablet, marked with "ucb" and "250" on one side, contains levetiracetam 250 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, cornstarch, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, magnesium stearate, polyethylene glycol 4000, povidone, talc, titanium dioxide, and FD&C Blue No. 2.

500 mg: Each yellow, oblong-shaped, film-coated tablet, marked with "ucb" and "500" on one side, contains levetiracetam 500 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, cornstarch, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, magnesium stearate, polyethylene glycol 4000, povidone, talc, titanium dioxide, FD&C Blue No. 2, and yellow iron oxide.

750 mg: Each orange, oblong-shaped, film-coated tablet, marked with "ucb" and "750" on one side, contains levetiracetam 750 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, cornstarch, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, magnesium stearate, polyethylene glycol 4000, povidone, talc, titanium dioxide, FD&C Blue No. 2, FD&C Yellow No. 6, and red iron oxide.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your health professional. They may be able to help you to deal with some of the effects.

The following side effects may go away as your body becomes used to the medication; check with your doctor if the following side effects continue or become bothersome.

More common
• cough
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• dryness or soreness of throat
• fever
• hoarseness
• loss of strength or energy
• muscle pain or weakness
• runny nose
• tender, swollen glands in neck
• unusual weak feeling
• voice changes

Less common
• bruising
• burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles," or tingling feelings
• dryness or soreness of throat or difficulty swallowing
• loss of appetite
• weight loss

Contact your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.

Kidney function: People who have reduced kidney function need longer than usual to clear levetiracetam from their bodies and so may need a lower dose of the medication.

Occupational hazards: People with uncontrolled epilepsy should not drive or handle potentially dangerous machinery. Those taking levetiracetam should not undertake activities requiring mental alertness or physical coordination until they determine that levetiracetam does not affect them adversely and that their epilepsy is under control.

Stopping the medication: As with other medications used to control seizures, stopping this medication suddenly is not recommended because of the possibility of increased seizure frequency.

Pregnancy: Only use this medication during pregnancy if the potential benefit outweighs the potential risk. Talk to your doctor if you are or may be pregnant.

Breast-feeding: Levetiracetam passes into breast milk. Breast-feeding while taking this medication is only recommended if the potential benefit outweighs the potential risks. If you are nursing, speak to your doctor.

Children and adolescents: The safety and efficacy of levetiracetam have not been established for use by children and adolescents under 18 years of age.

Seniors: Seniors may need a lower dose of levetiracetam.

So far, no significant drug interactions have been reported with levetiracetam.

Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. In many cases, interactions are intended or are managed by close monitoring. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.