Are you or someone you know suffering from seizures or epilepsy? If so, then you might have heard of the drug Levitiracetam. This drug, which is sold under the brand name Keppra, is a popular prescription medication used to treat seizures and epilepsy. In this article, we will discuss the uses, dosage, and side effects of Levitiracetam, and how it can help individuals with these conditions lead a better quality of life.
Levetiracetam brand name
What is Levitiracetam?
Levitiracetam is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as antiepileptic or anticonvulsant drugs. It works by slowing down abnormal brain activity that leads to seizures. Levitiracetam is available in the form of tablets, extended-release tablets, oral solution, and injection.
Uses of Levitiracetam
Levitiracetam is used to treat a variety of conditions, including:
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that causes seizures or convulsions. Levitiracetam is often used in combination with other medications to control seizures in adults and children who suffer from epilepsy.
Seizures
Levitiracetam is also used to treat various types of seizures, including partial-onset seizures, myoclonic seizures, and tonic-clonic seizures.
Other Uses
Levitiracetam may also be prescribed for other conditions, such as migraines, neuropathic pain, and restless leg syndrome. However, these uses are not yet approved by the FDA.
Dosage of Levitiracetam
The dosage of Levitiracetam depends on the patient’s age, weight, and medical condition. The medication is usually taken orally, with or without food. Here are the recommended dosages for Levitiracetam:
For Adults
The initial dose is 500mg twice a day. The dose may be increased by 500mg every 2 weeks to a maximum dose of 3000mg per day.
For Children
The dosage for children depends on their age and weight. The recommended dose for children over 6 years of age is 500mg twice a day, which may be increased by 500mg every 2 weeks to a maximum dose of 3000mg per day.
For Elderly
Levitiracetam should be used with caution in elderly patients, as they may be more susceptible to side effects.
Side Effects of Levitiracetam
Like all medications, Levitiracetam may cause side effects in some individuals. Common side effects of Levitiracetam include:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Irritability
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Weakness
More serious side effects of Levitiracetam include:
- Suicidal thoughts or behavior
- Aggressive behavior
- Depression
- Hallucinations
- Severe skin rash
- Severe allergic reaction
Precautions
Before taking Levitiracetam, inform your doctor if you are allergic to any medications, have kidney or liver disease, or are pregnant or breastfeeding. Levitiracetam may interact with other medications, so inform your doctor of all the medications you are taking.
Conclusion
Levitiracetam is an effective medication that can help individuals with seizures and epilepsy lead a better quality of life. It is important to follow the recommended dosage and precautions when taking this medication to avoid any side effects or interactions with other medications.
FAQs
1.
1. Can Levitiracetam be taken with food?
Yes, Levitiracetam can be taken with or without food. However, taking it with food may help reduce nausea and vomiting, which are common side effects.
2. How long does it take for Levitiracetam to start working?
Levitiracetam can start working within a few hours of taking the first dose, but it may take several weeks to achieve full effectiveness.
3. Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Levitiracetam?
It is not recommended to drink alcohol while taking Levitiracetam, as it can increase the risk of side effects such as dizziness and drowsiness.
4. Can Levitiracetam cause weight gain?
Weight gain is not a common side effect of Levitiracetam. In fact, some individuals may experience weight loss while taking this medication.
5. Is it safe to suddenly stop taking Levitiracetam?
No, it is not safe to suddenly stop taking Levitiracetam, as it can cause seizures to return or become more frequent. If you need to stop taking this medication, your doctor will gradually reduce your dosage over several weeks to avoid any withdrawal symptoms.
Levitiracetam Brand Name: Uses, Dosage, and Side Effects
Levitiracetam is a medication used to treat seizures in adults and children. It is sold under the brand name Keppra and is available in tablet, capsule, and oral solution forms. In this article, we will discuss the uses, dosage, and side effects of Levitiracetam.
Uses
Levitiracetam is primarily used to treat seizures in people with epilepsy. It works by reducing abnormal electrical activity in the brain that can cause seizures. It is also sometimes used off-label to treat other conditions such as migraine headaches and restless leg syndrome.
Dosage
The dosage of Levitiracetam will depend on the individual’s age, weight, and medical condition. It is usually taken twice a day, with or without food. The medication should be taken at the same time every day to maintain consistent levels in the body.
The typical starting dosage for adults is 500 mg twice a day. The dosage may be gradually increased every two weeks by 500 mg until the maximum recommended dosage of 1500 mg twice a day is reached. Children are typically started on a lower dosage based on their weight.
Side Effects
Like all medications, Levitiracetam can cause side effects. The most common side effects include:
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
These side effects are usually mild and go away within a few days of starting the medication. However, if they persist or become severe, you should contact your doctor.
Less common but more serious side effects of Levitiracetam can include:
- Suicidal thoughts or behavior
- Depression or anxiety
- Aggression or hostility
- Hallucinations or delusions
- Coordination problems or difficulty walking
If you experience any of these side effects, you should seek medical attention immediately.
Precautions
Before taking Levitiracetam, you should tell your doctor if you have any allergies or medical conditions. You should also inform your doctor of any medications you are currently taking, including over-the-counter medications and herbal supplements.
Levitiracetam can interact with some medications, including birth control pills, so it is important to inform your doctor of all medications you are taking. Additionally, Levitiracetam may cause drowsiness or dizziness, so you should avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how the medication affects you.
Conclusion
Levitiracetam, sold under the brand name Keppra, is a medication used to treat seizures in adults and children. It is usually taken twice a day and can cause mild to serious side effects. If you experience any side effects, you should contact your doctor immediately. It is important to take Levitiracetam as prescribed and to inform your doctor of any medications you are taking.
Thank you for reading! If you have any questions about Levitiracetam or any other medications, please consult your doctor.
FAQs
- Can Levitiracetam be taken with food?
- How long does it take for Levitiracetam to start working?
- Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Levitiracetam?
- Can Levitiracetam cause weight gain?
- Is it safe to suddenly stop taking Levitiracetam?
