Levetiracetam Extended-Release Tablets: Helps control seizures!

If you have seizures, or if someone you know has epilepsy, doctors can sometimes prescribe a medication called Levetiracetam. This is especially true in the 'extended-release' form. This means that the medication is released into the body over time. So today, let's talk a little about Levetiracetam, how it works, and what you need to be aware of when using it.

What kind of medicine is Levetiracetam?

Simply put, Levetiracetam is a medicine that helps people with epilepsy, that is, those who have frequent fits, to control that condition. That fit occurs when some of the nerves in our brain become overly excited and become active too quickly. So what this medicine does is calm down those overly active nerves. Then the fit decreases or is controlled.

This is an 'Extended-Release' type of pill, designed to release the medicine slowly, throughout the day. So, you can usually take it once a day. But that's up to your doctor to decide based on your condition.

You may find this medication in the pharmacy under brand names like `ELEPSIA XR`, `Keppra XR`, `Roweepra`. Whatever the name, it contains the same drug called Levetiracetam.

The most important things to tell your doctor before taking this medicine

Before you start taking Levetiracetam, it is important to tell your doctor or pharmacist about these things. This is very important because it will determine whether this medicine is right for you or not, and how much to give you.

• If you have kidney disease: Like many medications, this medication is excreted through the kidneys. If you have kidney problems, the medication can build up in your body.
• If you have had suicidal thoughts, have attempted suicide, or if someone in your family has had suicidal thoughts: Although this is a sensitive topic, it is very important to tell your doctor because this medication can sometimes affect your mood.
• If you have an allergy to Levetiracetam, any other medicine, food, food dyes, or preservatives: This should also be mentioned.
• If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant: Some medications are not suitable during pregnancy.
• If you are a breastfeeding mother: Some medications can pass to your baby through breast milk.

How should I use this medicine?

Okay, now let's see how to use this medicine exactly.

• Swallow this pill whole with a glass of water.
• The most important thing is, do not break, crush, or chew this pill. Because this is an 'Extended-Release' pill, it is designed to be absorbed slowly. If you break or crush it, all the medicine can be absorbed into your body at once and cause problems.
• Take the medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the time and in the exact amount prescribed.
• You can take this with or without food. But if possible, try to take it at about the same time every day. That way, you won't forget and it will be easier to keep the medicine at the same level in your body.
• Do not suddenly stop taking this medicine, or any other medicine you are taking for a fit, without consulting your doctor for any reason. If you do, there is a high chance that the fit will increase or the condition will worsen. If you do stop, you should do so according to your doctor's instructions, gradually reducing the dosage.
• When you get medicine, the pharmacy gives you a special `MedGuide`, a leaflet with details about the medicine. Read it carefully every time you get medicine. It contains a lot of important information.
• If you are giving this medicine to children: This is usually given to children over 12 years of age for some conditions. However, there are some things that you need to be especially careful about. Therefore, if you are giving this medicine to a child, talk to your doctor carefully and find out the details.
• If you accidentally take too much medicine (overdose): If this happens, do not panic, but immediately call the nearest hospital emergency department or poison control center.
• Another thing, this medicine is only for you. Do not give this medicine to your friends or family, even if they are having the same problem as you.

What do you do if you miss your medication?

Forgetting to take your medication can happen to anyone. If you miss a dose of Levetiracetam, here's what to do:

• If it's only been a few hours since you missed a dose when you remember, take it as soon as you remember.
• But if it's almost time for your next dose when you remember, skip the missed dose and just take your next dose at the scheduled time.
• Never take two doses at the same time, that is, a double dose. Doing so can cause problems by increasing the amount of medication.

Can this medicine interact with other medications? (Interactions)

Yes, Levetiracetam can interact with some other medications. That is, they can affect each other and either reduce or increase the effectiveness of this medication, or increase the side effects.

For example:

• `Carbamazepine` (Carbamazepine - This is also a medicine given for fits)
• `Colesevelam` (Colesevelam - a medicine for cholesterol)
• Probenecid (a medicine for gout)
• `Sevelamer` (Sevelamer - a medicine given to kidney patients)

The above list is not exhaustive. There may be other medications. Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (vitamins, traditional medicines, herbs, even over-the-counter medications for headaches and back pain). Also, be sure to tell your doctor if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs, as these can also interact with this medication.

Things to be careful about when using this medicine

While taking this medicine, be aware of these things for your safety and to make sure the medicine is working properly.

• See your doctor regularly: Keep in touch with your doctor to see how you are doing, whether your medication is working, and whether you are having any side effects. You may be asked to wear a medical identification bracelet or chain. It will say that you have epilepsy and the medications you are taking. It is also a good idea to keep such a card with you, as it can be useful in an emergency.
• Watch out for serious skin reactions: This is very important. Levetiracetam can sometimes cause serious skin reactions . These can occur weeks or months after starting the medication.

If you have a fever or cold-like symptoms and a rash, tell your doctor right away. The rash may turn red or purple, then blister and peel. Or you may have swelling of the face or lips, or swollen lymph nodes in the neck or armpits, which may be red. If you see something like this, don't delay.

• About the dose: It is very important to take this medicine exactly as your doctor tells you. Your dose may need to be adjusted slightly when you first start. It may take weeks or months to find the right dose for you. Tell your doctor if your seizures are getting worse, or if you have a new type of seizure.
• Drowsiness and dizziness: This medicine may make you feel drowsy or dizzy. Therefore, until you know how this medicine affects you, do not drive, work at heights, operate machinery, or do anything that requires concentration. Do not get out of bed or out of a chair too quickly, especially if you are elderly. Doing so may reduce the risk of dizziness and falling.
• Avoid alcohol: Alcohol consumption can interfere with the effectiveness of this medication and may increase side effects such as drowsiness and dizziness. Therefore, it is best to avoid alcohol completely while taking this medication.
• Watch out for suicidal thoughts: This is also very important. Some people may have suicidal thoughts or similar actions while taking this medicine. So be very careful about your mental state and how you react. If your mood gets worse, if you become increasingly irritable, if you feel anxious, if you feel like you are not enjoying anything, or if you feel like you are going to die, tell your doctor or someone you trust right away.
• Tablet shell coming out with stool: In some types of 'Extended-Release' tablets, after you swallow the medicine, a small part of the tablet, called the tablet shell, does not dissolve. This is normal. The tablet shell may come out with your stool. This is nothing to worry about, and it does not mean that the medicine was not absorbed.
• Pregnancy Registration: 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 taking antiepileptic drugs during pregnancy. You can ask your doctor for more information about this.

What are the possible side effects of this medicine?

Like any medicine, Levetiracetam can cause some side effects. Not everyone gets them, but it's good to be aware of them.

Side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately:

If you experience any of these side effects, you should tell your doctor as soon as possible, without delay:

• Allergic reactions: If you experience skin rashes, itching, hives, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, this could be an emergency.
• Increase in blood pressure in children.
• Symptoms of infection: fever, chills, cough, or sore throat.
• Loss of balance or inability to perform a single task (loss of coordination).
• Symptoms of low red blood cell count: Feeling unusually tired, dizziness, headache, difficulty breathing.
• Major changes in mood and behavior: Feeling anxious, restless, confused, seeing or hearing things that are not there (hallucinations), being very angry, being hostile towards others, having suicidal thoughts, wanting to harm yourself, suddenly feeling bad in your mood, feeling depressed.
• Serious skin conditions: Redness, blistering, peeling, or loose skin. This can also happen inside the mouth.
• Trouble walking.
• Unusual bruising or bleeding.
• Unusual weakness or fatigue.

Side effects that are usually not a big deal, but if they persist, you should tell your doctor :

These side effects are usually not serious enough to tell a doctor, but if they persist or bother you a lot, tell your doctor:

• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Fatigue
• Irritability, quick temper
• Loss of appetite

Remember, this list may not include all possible side effects of this medicine. If you notice anything unusual in addition to these, talk to your doctor about it. You can also report side effects to the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) at 1-800-FDA-1088.

How should I store this medicine?

Storing medicines properly is very important to maintain their quality.

• Keep this medicine out of the reach of small children and out of their reach.
• Store at room temperature (between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius, which is between 59 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit). Avoid storing in places that are too hot, humid, or exposed to direct sunlight. Places like the bathroom are not good.
• Do not use medicines that have passed their expiration date. Dispose of them properly. You can ask your pharmacist how to properly dispose of them.

This is just a brief summary of what we have discussed about Levetiracetam Extended-Release Tablets. It may not contain all the information. If you have any further questions or concerns about this medicine, do not hesitate to ask your doctor, pharmacist, or healthcare provider who is treating you.

Finally, remember this (Take-Home Message)

So, Levetiracetam, which we talked about today, is a very important medication that helps control seizures. However, it is very important to follow the doctor's instructions exactly when using it.

• Be sure to tell your doctor about any other illnesses you have, any other medications you take, and any allergies you have before starting the medication.
• Always be aware of side effects. Be especially careful of things like skin problems, changes in your mood, and thoughts of suicide. If you notice anything like this, tell your doctor right away.
• Never stop taking medication suddenly without asking your doctor.
• As drowsiness may occur, be careful when driving or performing tasks that require alertness.
• Avoid alcohol completely.

Remember, your health is very important to you. So, no matter what problem you have or what is on your mind, don't be afraid to talk openly with your doctor. Only then will you be able to get the right treatment.

` Levetiracetam, Epilepsy, Seizures, medication, side effects, extended-release, Keppra XR