Have you ever seen a family member or friend suffer from epilepsy, or what we commonly call a "fit"? At that time, we are really scared. But the good news is that there are now very advanced and effective medications to control this condition. Today, we are talking about a very important medication that is given to epilepsy patients as an injection into a vein. That is Levetiracetam.
What is Levetiracetam (Keppra)?
Simply put, Levetiracetam is a medication used to prevent and control seizures caused by epilepsy. In our country, it is most famous under the brand name Keppra .
Imagine our brain as a busy city. Information in this city is carried back and forth by nerve cells. What happens in the brain of a person with epilepsy is that these nerve cells suddenly become overactive. It's like all the traffic lights in the city are broken at once and cars are crashing into each other. Levetiracetam works by calming those overstimulated and active nerve cells. In this way, the hyperactivity of the brain is controlled and seizures are stopped.
This medication is usually given as an injection in a hospital or clinic. This method is especially important for patients who have difficulty swallowing pills or who need quick treatment.
Things you should tell your doctor before taking medication
Before using Levetiracetam, it is extremely important to inform your doctor about your complete health history, as it directly affects your safety. Be sure to tell them about these things in particular.
- Kidney disease: If you have any kidney disease, you should tell your doctor about it. This medicine is eliminated from the body through the kidneys. Therefore, the doctor may have to change the dosage of the medicine depending on the functioning of the kidneys.
- Mental health problems: Tell us if you have ever had depression, suicidal thoughts, or anxiety before, or if anyone in your family has had any of these.
- Allergies: Tell your doctor if you have any allergies to Levetiracetam or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding, you should definitely talk to your doctor about this.
When using this medicine, tell your doctor about all other medicines you are taking (medicines for other diseases, vitamins, Ayurvedic or Sinhala medicines), as some medicines may react with this one.
Things to keep in mind when using this medicine
Your medical team will be monitoring your condition closely while you are taking Levetiracetam, but you should also be aware of these things.
Severe skin allergies
Although this is rare, some people may develop serious skin reactions a few weeks or months after starting this medicine. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop red or purple skin rashes with flu-like symptoms that later blister and peel, or if you have swelling of the face, lips, or lymph nodes in the neck or armpits .
Mood changes
Be especially aware of any changes in your mood while taking this medicine. If you experience any unexplained feelings of anger, anxiety, depression, or suicidal thoughts , tell your doctor or family member right away. This is very important.
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 exactly how this medicine affects you. Be careful, especially if you are elderly, when getting up from a sitting position or getting out of bed suddenly. Also, avoid drinking alcohol completely while taking this medicine. Alcohol can increase the side effects of the medicine.
Side effects that may occur due to medication
Like any medication, Levetiracetam can have side effects. Some are serious, while others are common. It is important to be aware of these.
| Type of side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| If you have these symptoms, notify your doctor immediately. | |
| Serious allergies | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Changes in mood and behavior | Agitation, restlessness, mental confusion, anger, suicidal thoughts, depression. |
| Serious skin reactions | Skin redness, blistering, peeling (even inside the mouth). |
| Loss of body balance | Difficulty walking, loss of balance or coordination. |
| Signs of infection | Fever, chills, cough, sore throat. |
| Decreased red blood cells | Unusual tiredness, paleness, headache, difficulty breathing. |
| Tell your doctor if these symptoms persist or are bothersome. | |
| Common side effects | Drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue, loss of appetite, and irritability over small things. |
What if the medication dose increases?
Since this medicine is given in a hospital setting, there is usually no risk of overdose. However, if you suspect that this has happened, go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) immediately. You can also call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice if necessary.
Take-Home Message
- Levetiracetam (Keppra) is a very effective medication for controlling epilepsy (fits).
- Before taking this medicine, be sure to tell your doctor about all your medical conditions, other medications you are taking, and allergies.
- Be very careful about mood changes (anger, sadness, suicidal thoughts) or serious skin reactions while taking this medicine. If this happens, tell your doctor immediately.
- Avoid driving while taking this medicine as it may cause drowsiness. Avoid drinking alcohol completely.
- If you have any questions or concerns about this medication, don't be afraid to talk to your doctor.
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