Let's learn about a soluble tablet (Levetiracetam) that will help you get fit too? (Spritam)

You may know that sometimes some people experience sudden, unconsciousness-like states – what we call “having a fit” or “having a seizure” in colloquial terms – and this is also called epilepsy in medical terms. So, doctors prescribe various medications to control such conditions. One such medication is called Levetiracetam. In particular, it comes in the form of disintegrating tablets, which you may have seen under the brand name Spritam. Today, we will talk about this disintegrating tablet in detail, as simply as if you were talking to a friend.

What is this medicine for?

Simply put, this medicine called `(Levetiracetam)` is used to stop and control seizures in people with epilepsy. This medicine works by calming down the abnormal activity of the nerves in our brain. This means that it helps reduce things like jerking and losing consciousness.

This medicine may also be used by doctors for other conditions, so if you have any further questions about this, it's best to ask your doctor or pharmacist.

What are the things I need to tell the doctor before starting this medication?

Before you start taking Levetiracetam, it is important to tell your doctor or medical team about the following:

• If you have kidney disease .
• If you have ever thought about ending your life, planned it, tried it, or if someone in your family has done so, it is important to tell your doctor , even though this is a very sensitive matter.
• If you are allergic to Levetiracetam, any other medicine, food, dyes, or preservatives.
• If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
• If you are a breastfeeding mother.

This information is very important for your safety and the success of your treatment, do you understand?

How exactly do you use this medicine?

This is a disintegrating tablet, so the way it is used is a little different. Listen carefully:

1. This should be taken with a sip of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label.

2. The pill should be kept in the sealed blister pack until you are ready to take it. Do not open it beforehand.

3. Your hands should be dry. Do not touch the tablet with wet hands.

4. Carefully remove the foil from the blister pack. Never try to force the tablet through the foil to remove it. Doing so may break the delicate tablet.

5.Place the tablet on your tongue. Then take a sip of water and let the tablet dissolve in your mouth. Only then should you swallow it.

6. Alternatively, you can put the tablet in a cup with some water, stir it well after it dissolves, and swallow the liquid and the dissolved part of the tablet all at once. However, you need to make sure that all the medicine has gone into the stomach.

7. You can take this medicine before or after meals. It doesn't matter.

8. It is very important to take the correct dose at the correct time. Do not take more than the doctor has told you to, or take it more often.

9. Most importantly, do not suddenly stop taking this medication, or any other medication you are taking for your fits, without first talking to your doctor. Doing so may increase the frequency of your fits or make your condition worse.

When you get this medicine from the pharmacy, you will be given a special instruction leaflet called ``MedGuide.`` Read this leaflet carefully every time you get your medicine, and every time you get a refill. It contains a lot of important information for you.

If you are giving this medicine to children, you should also talk to your doctor about it. Although it can be given to children as young as 4 years old in some circumstances, there are some special considerations to be taken into account.

What do you do if you take too much medicine by mistake?

If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, call a poison control center or the nearest emergency room immediately. Don't waste time.

One more thing: This medicine is for you only. Do not share it with anyone else.

What do you do if you miss a medication appointment?

Oh, that's possible, isn't it? If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.

What other things don't work with this medicine?

Some medications can interact with Levetiracetam. That is, they can affect each other. Then the way the medicine works may change. For example:

• `(Carbamazepine)`
• `(Colesevelam)`
• `(Probenecid)`
• `(Sevelamer)`

This list is not complete. Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medications (over-the-counter, over-the-counter), herbs, vitamins, and dietary supplements you are taking. Also, be sure to tell your doctor if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use other drugs. Some things may not work with your medication.

What are the things to be careful about when taking this medicine?

There are a few things you need to be a little more careful about when taking this medication.

• See your doctor regularly to check your condition. It's important to see how you're progressing.
• Wear a medical identification bracelet or chain, or keep a card with you that says you have epilepsy and what medications you take. This can be very helpful in an emergency.
• This medicine can sometimes cause serious skin reactions. These may occur weeks or months after starting the medicine. If you develop a rash with symptoms similar to a cold, along with a fever, call your doctor right away. These rashes may turn red or purple, then blister and peel. Or you may have a red rash with swelling of the face or lips, or swollen lymph nodes in the neck or armpits. If you see something like this, don't delay.
• It is very important to take your medicine exactly as your doctor tells you. When you first start treatment, your dose may need to be adjusted. It may take several weeks or months to find the right dose for you. If your seizures increase in frequency or if you have a new type of seizure, tell your doctor right away.
• This medicine may make you feel drowsy or dizzy. Therefore, do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that requires concentration until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up suddenly, especially if you are elderly. Doing so can reduce the risk of dizziness and falls.
• Alcohol can interfere with the effectiveness of this medication, so avoid drinking alcohol.
• There is a possibility that you may have suicidal thoughts or actions while taking this medicine. Therefore, be very careful about changes in your mood and feelings while you are taking this medicine. If your mood gets worse or you have thoughts of suicide, tell your doctor right away. Don't hide it.
• Women who become pregnant while taking this medication can register with the North American Antiepileptic Drug Pregnancy Registry by calling 1-888-233-2334. This registry collects information about the safety of using antiepileptic drugs during pregnancy.

What are the possible side effects of this medicine?

Like all medications, this one can have some side effects. Some are serious, some are not so serious.

Side effects that you should tell your doctor immediately:

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should tell your doctor as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions – skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Increased blood pressure in children.
• Infection – fever, chills, cough, or sore throat.
• Loss of balance or coordination.
• Low red blood cell count – just fatigue, dizziness, headache, and difficulty breathing.
• Mood and behavior changes – Feelings such as frequent anxiety, restlessness, confusion, hallucinations, frequent anger, hostility, suicidal thoughts, self-harm, mood swings, and depression.
• Redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin can occur, including inside the mouth.
• Trouble walking.
• Unusual bruising or bleeding.
• Just feeling extremely tired or weak.

Side effects that usually don't need to be mentioned to a doctor, but should be mentioned if they persist or are bothersome:

These usually go away after a few days, but if they persist, tell your doctor :

• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Fatigue
• Frequent irritability, restlessness
• Loss of appetite

This list may not include all side effects. If you notice anything unusual, talk to your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

How should you store your medicine?

This is also a very important matter.

• Keep it out of the reach of children.
• It should be stored at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius (59 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit).
• Do not use expired medications. Throw them away.

So, a few final things to remember

Okay, we've talked a lot about this `(Levetiracetam)` effervescent tablet, haven't we? Finally, here are the most important things to keep in mind:

• This is a medicine that is given to control the onset of a fit. Take it exactly as the doctor says, at the time he says, and in the exact amount he says.
• Before taking the medicine , be sure to tell your doctor about your other medical conditions, allergies, and other medications you are taking.
• When taking the orodispersible tablet, handle it carefully, with a clean hand, and use it exactly as directed.
• Do not stop taking the medication suddenly for any reason without consulting your doctor.
• Be careful as drowsiness and dizziness may occur, especially if you are driving or doing other work that requires attention.
• Be very careful about serious skin reactions, mood swings (especially suicidal thoughts), etc. If you notice any of these, tell your doctor immediately.
• If you have any questions or doubts, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Remember, this information is provided for your informational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Always follow the advice of your doctor.

Wishing you good health!

` Levetiracetam, Spritam, epilepsy, fit, convulsion, medication, side effects