Do you or someone in your family have epilepsy, or what we commonly call seizures? If so, a doctor has probably prescribed a medication to control it. Levetiracetam is a commonly used medication in such cases. So today, let's talk about this medication and the things to be aware of when using it.
What is Levetiracetam?
Simply put, levetiracetam is a drug that is used to prevent and control seizures in people with epilepsy. The main cause of seizures is the overactive nerve cells in our brain. This drug works by calming those overactive nerves and controlling the onset of seizures.
This medication is also known by the brand name Keppra. Sometimes your doctor may prescribe this medication for other conditions. If you have any questions about it, ask your doctor.
The most important things to tell your doctor before taking medication
Before your doctor prescribes this medication, it is very important to give you a complete description of your health condition. Be sure to tell them if you have any of the following conditions:
- Kidney disease: If you have any kidney-related disease.
- Mental health problems: If you have had suicidal thoughts before, have attempted suicide, or if someone in your family has a history of suicide.
- Allergies: If you have had an allergic reaction to this levetiracetam medicine or any other medicine, food, or preservative.
- Pregnancy: If you are pregnant or are expecting to become pregnant soon.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother: If you are breastfeeding a child.
Based on this information, the doctor will determine the most suitable treatment for you.
How should I use this medicine?
Be aware of these points when using this medicine.
- Correct dosage: Take the medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the right time. Follow the instructions on the medicine label exactly.
- Measure accurately: If this is given as a solution, use only a special spoon or cup that is designed to measure it. Do not use regular household teaspoons , as they may not measure accurately.
- Before or after food?: This medicine can be taken with or without food.
- Do not stop suddenly: Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly without your doctor's advice.Doing so may increase your risk or worsen your condition.
- For children: This medicine is prescribed for children as young as one month old in some cases. However, special care should be taken, so follow the doctor's instructions exactly.
- Do not share with others: This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Never share it with anyone else.
What if I overdose?
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What if I miss a dose of medicine?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
Things to consider when taking the medicine
It is very important to be aware of these things while using this medicine.
- Visiting the doctor: Visit the doctor on scheduled days to check your condition.
- Severe skin reactions: This medicine can sometimes cause serious skin reactions. These can occur even weeks after starting the medicine. See a doctor immediately if you notice symptoms such as fever, body aches, and red or purple skin rashes that later blister or peel. Also, swelling of the face, lips, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck or armpits can be serious symptoms.
- Change in seizures: If the nature of your seizures changes or a new type of seizure occurs during the initial period of starting the medication, tell your doctor immediately.
- Drowsiness and dizziness: This medicine may make you feel drowsy or dizzy. Therefore, avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know how this medicine affects you. Avoid getting up or sitting down too quickly.
- Alcohol: Drinking alcohol can interfere with the effectiveness of this medication. Therefore, avoid drinking alcohol completely while taking this medication.
- Mental health: Some people taking this medication may have thoughts of suicide or worsening of their mental health. If you feel sad, angry, anxious, or have thoughts of giving up on life, tell your doctor or a trusted family member right away.
Possible side effects
Like any medicine, levetiracetam can cause some side effects. Some of them are serious, while others are common.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Severe skin reactions | Skin redness, blistering, peeling (even inside the mouth). |
| Mental and behavioral changes | Anxiety, anger, confusion, hallucinations, suicidal thoughts, depression. |
| Loss of body balance | Difficulty walking, loss of body control. |
| Signs of infection | Fever, chills , cough, sore throat. |
| Unusual bruising or bleeding | Bruising or bleeding of the skin for no reason. |
| Anemia (Low red blood cell count) | Unusual tiredness, paleness, dizziness, difficulty breathing. |
| Usually not serious, but tell your doctor if it persists. | |
| Dizziness and drowsiness | Dizziness, Drowsiness |
| Tiredness | Fatigue |
| Appetite | Loss of appetite |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience anything different or unusual, talk to your doctor about it.
Take-Home Message
- Always take levetiracetam exactly as prescribed by your doctor, in the correct dosage, and at the correct time. Do not stop taking it suddenly without your doctor's advice.
- Be on the lookout for symptoms such as serious skin reactions and changes in mental status (especially suicidal thoughts). If you notice any of these, seek medical advice immediately.
- This medication may cause drowsiness, so avoid driving and performing tasks that require alertness. Avoid alcohol completely.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and supplements you are taking.
- If you miss a dose, never take a double dose.
- Store the medicine in a safe place, out of the reach of small children.
👩🏽⚕️ Additional questions (FAQs)
💬 What is Levetiracetam Solution / Keppra used for?
This is one of the most effective and safest broad-spectrum antiepileptic drugs in the world, which can be easily given to adults and children to control 'seizures/epilepsy', a brain-related disease! Unlike other seizure medications, this does not cause any harm to the liver, which is why it is widely recommended by doctors.
💬 How does this liquid (Levetiracetam) go to the brain and stop fits/seizures?
When we have a seizure (fit), the nerves in the brain (chemicals like Glutamate) suddenly and unexpectedly release electrical signals (like a short circuit)! As soon as this medicine (Levetiracetam) reaches the brain, it binds to a special protein (SV2A vesicle protein) in those nerves and completely blocks the release of excessive stimulating chemicals into the brain. Then the brain calms down.
💬 What are the most annoying and dangerous side effects of taking this medication (Keppra)?
The main risk and trouble with this is not physical, but mental (Keppra Rage/Behavioral abnormalities)! Some people/children who drink this can experience unbearable anger, aggression, mental stress and 'suicidal thoughts'. Also, there is a high chance of unbearable drowsiness, laziness and loss of balance when walking (Somnolence/Ataxia).
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