You or someone close to you may have epilepsy, or as we all know, a condition that causes seizures. So, to control this condition, your doctor may have prescribed you a medication called Levetiracetam. You may have heard of this name, as it comes under brand names like Keppra and Roweepra. So what is Levetiracetam? How should it be used? What are the things we should be especially careful about? Let's find out exactly what it is today.
What kind of medicine is Levetiracetam?
Simply put, Levetiracetam is a drug that is used to prevent and control seizures, or convulsions, in people with epilepsy. The nerve cells in our brain sometimes become overactive in an unnecessary way. This drug helps to calm this overactivity and maintain normal functioning of the nervous system. Through this, the occurrence of seizures is controlled.
Doctors may sometimes prescribe this medication for other conditions, so if you have any questions, ask your doctor.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before you start taking Levetiracetam, it is important to tell your doctor about the following: These are very important for your safety.
- Kidney disease: If you have any kidney disease.
- Mental health issues: If you have had thoughts, plans, or attempts to take your own life in the past, or if anyone in your family has a history of suicide, please tell us about it.
- Allergies: If you have an allergy to Levetiracetam or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- Pregnancy: If you are pregnant or are expecting to become pregnant soon.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother: If you are a mother who is breastfeeding a child.
Based on this information, the doctor will determine the most appropriate treatment for you.
How should I use the medicine?
Be aware of these points when using this medicine.
- Swallow this tablet whole with a glass of water. Never crush, chew, or break the tablet.
- You can take this medicine before or after meals. It won't cause any problems.
- Take the exact dose, at the exact time your doctor prescribes. Never take more medicine than prescribed.
- Very important: Do not suddenly stop taking this medicine or any other medicine for epilepsy without your doctor's advice. If you stop suddenly, your condition, i.e. the number of seizures, may increase or become worse.
What do I do if I miss a dose of medication?
If you miss 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. Do not take a double dose for any reason.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, that is, an overdose, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital. Or, go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital. Do not take this lightly.
This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Therefore, never share this medicine with others.
What should I be especially careful about when taking this medicine?
While taking Levetiracetam, it is very important to take care of your health.
Severe skin allergies
Some people may develop serious skin reactions a few weeks or months after starting this medicine. Tell your doctor right away if you develop a red or purple rash with symptoms of a cold or flu. These spots may later turn into blisters and the skin may start to peel. Or, if you develop red spots along with swelling of the face, lips, or swollen lymph nodes in the neck or armpits, tell your doctor right away.
Take care of your mental health.
This medicine may slightly increase the risk of mood swings or suicidal thoughts in some people. So be aware of how your feelings change.
- If you feel worried or anxious
- If you are feeling anxious and angry,
- If the mood is worsening (worsening mood)
- If you have thoughts of despair about life or suicidal thoughts
If you or someone you care for notices anything like this, tell your doctor without delay .
Drowsiness and dizziness
You may feel drowsy or dizzy while taking this medicine. Therefore, avoid driving, operating machinery, and doing other activities that require alertness until you know exactly how this medicine affects you. Avoid getting up suddenly from a sitting or lying position, especially if you are elderly. Get up slowly. This will reduce the chance of dizziness and falling.
Drinking alcohol can interfere with the effects of this medicine and may also increase drowsiness. Therefore, avoid drinking alcohol completely while taking Levetiracetam.
What side effects might I experience?
Like any medicine, Levetiracetam can cause side effects. While most of these are minor, there are some things we should be especially aware of.
| Possible side effects of Levetiracetam | |
|---|---|
| Side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately | |
| Serious allergies | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Skin reactions | Skin redness, blistering, peeling (even inside the mouth). |
| Mental changes | Anxiety, restlessness, mental confusion, anger, suicidal thoughts. |
| Loss of body balance | Difficulty walking, inability to control the body. |
| Signs of infection | Fever, chills, cough, sore throat. |
| Symptoms of anemia (blood deficiency) | Unusual tiredness, paleness, dizziness, difficulty breathing. |
| Other | Unusual bruising or bleeding, increased blood pressure in children. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to your doctor if they persist | |
| Dizziness | Dizziness |
| Drowsiness | Drowsiness |
| Tiredness | Fatigue |
| A slight tendency to get angry | Irritability |
| Appetite | Loss of appetite |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience anything different, talk to your doctor about it.
Take-Home Message
- Do not stop taking Levetiracetam suddenly without your doctor's advice. Doing so may worsen your condition.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience serious skin reactions such as blistering or rash with fever or mental changes such as suicidal thoughts while taking the medicine.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and traditional medicines you are taking.
- This medicine may make you feel drowsy or dizzy, so avoid driving or doing anything that requires attention until your body adjusts to it.
- If you take too much medicine, immediately go to the National Poisons Information Centre or the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU).
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