Drug Name

Keppra (Levetiracetam)

Drug Uses

Keppra is used for treating partial-onset, myoclonic, or generalized tonic-clonic seizures in patients with epilepsy. It is used in combination with other medicines. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How Taken

Use Keppra as directed by your doctor.

• Take Keppra by mouth with or without food.
• Swallow Keppra whole. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing.
• Keppra works best if it is taken at the same time(s) each day.
• Continue to take Keppra even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Keppra.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Keppra is an anticonvulsant. Exactly how it works is unknown, but it may work by slowing abnormal nerve impulses in the brain.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Keppra and are using it regularly, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store Keppra between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Keppra out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Keppra if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Keppra

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Important :

• Check with your doctor before drinking alcohol while taking Isoniazid. Alcohol may increase the risk of liver problems.
• Keppra may cause drowsiness or dizziness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Keppra with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Do not suddenly stop taking Keppra or your other seizure medicines. You may have an increased risk of side effects (e.g., seizures). If you need to stop Keppra or add a new medicine, your doctor will gradually lower your dose.
• Contact your health care provider if your seizures become worse or if you have a new type of seizure.
• Keppra should be used with extreme caution in children younger than 4 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Keppra while you are pregnant. Keppra is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Keppra.

Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• Dizziness; drowsiness; loss of appetite; runny nose; tiredness; vomiting; weakness.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur:

• Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); behavioral changes (e.g., aggression; agitation; anger; apathy; irritability; hostility); changes in vision; decreased coordination; depression; extreme drowsiness, tiredness, or weakness; fever, chills, or sore throat; hallucinations; irrational thoughts or beliefs; memory loss; mental or mood changes; new or worsening seizures; suicidal thoughts or attempts; unusual bruising or bleeding; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

More Information

If you have any questions about Keppra, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Keppra is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.