Levetiracetam is used to treat epilepsy by preventing seizures. It works by controlling the neurotransmitters (chemicals) in the brain. In New Zealand, levetiracetam is available in different strength tablets (250 mg, 500 mg, 750 mg, 1 gram) as an oral liquid.
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Levetiracetam
Sounds like 'lev-eh-turr-RASS-ih-tam'
Key points about levetiracetam
- Levetiracetam is used to treat epilepsy.
- Levetiracetam is also called Keppra or Everet.
- Find out how to take it safely and possible side effects.
- The dose of levetiracetam will be different for different people.
- Your doctor will start you on a low dose, and increase your dose slowly over a few weeks.
- Levetiracetam is usually taken two times a day but sometimes when starting levetiracetam it may be taken once a day for a week.
- Always take your levetiracetam exactly as your doctor has told you. The pharmacy label on your medicine will tell you how much to take, how often to take it, and any special instructions.
- Swallow your tablets with a glass of water, milk or juice: Do not chew the tablets. If swallowing the tablets is a problem, you can crush the tablets and mix it with about 2 tablespoons of fruit juice or soft food such as yoghurt, honey or jam. Swallow all of the food or drink straight away. Note: the crushed tablets may have an unpleasant taste.
- Timing: Take your doses at the same times each day, to help you to remember to take it. Levetiracetam is usually taken two times a day, in the morning and the evening. If you are taking levetiracetam once a day, this can be taken in the morning or evening. You can take levetiracetam with or without food.
- Missed dose: If you forget to take your dose, take it as soon as you remember if it is within 4 hours of when your dose was due. But, if more than 4 hours have passed since when the dose was due, just take the next dose at the right time. Do not take double the dose.
- Keep taking levetiracetam every day: See tips to help you remember to take your medicines regularly. It may take a few weeks before you notice the full benefits of levetiracetam. Do not stop taking levetiracetam suddenly; speak to your doctor or nurse before stopping.
- Are you pregnant or trying for a baby?
- Do you have any problems with the way your kidneys or liver work?
If so, it’s important that you tell your doctor before you start levetiracetam. Sometimes a medicine isn’t suitable for a person with certain conditions, or it can only be used with extra care.
Like all medicines, levetiracetam can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Often side effects improve as your body gets used to the new medicine.
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| Did you know that you can report a side effect to a medicine to CARM (Centre for Adverse Reactions Monitoring)? Report a side effect to a product(external link) | |
Levetiracetam interacts with a few medications, especially other medicines used for epilepsy, and herbal supplements, so check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting levetiracetam or before starting any new medicines.
Keppra(external link) Medsafe Consumer Information sheet
For children: levetiracetam(external link) New Zealand Formulary for Children
References
- Levetiracetam(external link) New Zealand Formulary Patient Information
- Levetiracetam(external link) New Zealand Formulary for Children
- Keppra(external link) Medsafe Data sheet
- Everet(external link) Medsafe Data sheet
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Credits: Sandra Ponen, Pharmacist, Healthify He Puna Waiora. Healthify is brought to you by Health Navigator Charitable Trust.
Reviewed by: Angela Lambie, Pharmacist, Auckland
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