Levetiracetam 250mg

Anticonvulsant

CSA NA – FDA Approved – REMS (N) – Can Ship       

Levetiracetam, Keppra, Keppra XR is believed to modulate synaptic neurotransmitter release by binding to a synaptic vesicle proteins SV2A in the brain.

Focal partial onset seizures

Before starting Levetiracetam, Keppra, Keppra XR make sure your physician is aware of any allergies and medications you currently take.  Some patients have been reported to experience  central nervous system depression (i.e. impaired coordination, ataxia, abnormal gait, weakness, fatigue, dizziness and somnolence), skin reactions (i.e. toxic epidermal necrolysis, Steven-Johnson syndrome), hematologic effects, hypertension and psychiatric symptoms.

Oral Immediate Release: 500mg to 1500mg twice daily.

Oral Extended Release: 1000mg to 3000mg once daily.

Note: In patients with epilepsy, oral loading doses of 1.5 to 2 g (immediate release) have been well tolerated and may be useful for more rapidly achieving serum concentrations associated with seizure control.

How to Take: Take with or without food.  Tablets should be swallowed whole, not chewed, or crushed; however, some studies support crushing and mixing with applesauce (Note: Levetiracetam has a bitter taste) or administering via enteral feeding tube. Mix with 120 mL of enteral nutrition formula or disperse crushed tablets (500 mg tablet strength studied) in 10 mL of water, shake for 5 minutes to dissolve, and administer immediately via enteral feeding tube.  However, for extended release tablets take as a whole tablet; do not crush, break, or chew.

Increase in blood pressure, behavioral disturbances, vomiting, muscle weakness, nasopharyngitis.

Note this is not a complete list of side effects for Levetiracetam, Keppra, Keppra XR only common ones.

1. Why do I feel so down/depressed since starting this medication? /Why am I having mood swings since starting this medication?
   Rarely antiepileptic medications such as this can cause mood or behavior changes and in severe cases result in suicidal ideation.  If you are feeling any of these things or family members are reporting mood or behavioral changes, see your physician immediately to discuss your options as it could be a result of this medication.  Many scenarios where this medication is used can also result in these mood or behavioural changes so it is important to be open and honest with your physician about your feelings to make sure they have all of the information to treat you.
2. Why would my physician prescribe a medication with such serious side effects?
   Your physician takes the most recent clinical guidelines to make evidence-based decisions on what medication is appropriate in which situations.  Your current medications, your allergies, age, cost of medication, comorbid conditions and many other factors will further complicate or limit which medications are appropriate.  This medication is used for many serious conditions and your physician has determined the benefits outweigh the risks.   Furthermore, they will be monitoring your bloodwork and symptoms closely to see if any serious complications are starting to arise and be able to adjust therapy to prevent progression.