Levetiracetam

Levetiracetam is primarily indicated as adjunctive therapy in the treatment of partial-onset seizures in adults with epilepsy. As an anticonvulsant, Levera is normally combined with other medicines and is used to treat different types of seizures in both adults as well as children who are suffering from epilepsy.

This medication is known to treat partial-onset (seizure affecting in one part of the brain), tonic-clonic (affecting your entire brain) and myoclonic seizures (jerking/twitching of muscles), in epileptic patients. This medicine decreases the abnormal activities that happen in the brain during seizures.

Levetiracetam can be taken both by adults and children suffering from epilepsy. The dosage of this medication is generally based on the medical condition and responsiveness of your body towards the treatment.

In children, the body weight is also taken into consideration. This medication has a tendency to make you drowsy in the initial weeks of treatment, therefore you should refrain yourself from driving or any other activities that require alertness. Also, you must limit your consumption of alcohol when under this medication.

There are some medical conditions that may have an interaction with Levetiracetam. Therefore, it is important that you inform your doctor if you have or are:

• Pregnant or planning to be,
• Kidney disease or are undergoing dialysis,
• Taking any other medicines that you take on a regular basis,
• Allergies, if any
• History of mental conditions like
• Depression
• suicidal tendencies.

The dosage of Levetiracetam is generally based on the medical condition and responsiveness of your body towards the treatment. In children, the body weight is also taken into consideration. You may be prescribed a low dose initially by your doctor that can, in time, be increased gradually depending upon how your body responds.

You must take this medication on a regular basis for best results. However, ensure that you do not overdose or continue having it longer than you have been prescribed. Also, do not stop taking Levetiracetam abruptly, as it can cause your seizures to worsen. The dose should be gradually decreased and then stopped, if required.

The side effects of Levetiracetam include feeling unusually tired, dizzy, weak or drowsy. These symptoms generally occur in the first month of taking the medicine, and then gradually lessen as the body adjusts to it. Since Levetiracetam may cause liver problems in some cases, it is advised to limit your consumption of alcohol when you are under this medication.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Neurologist before using this medicine.

• Epilepsy

  Levetiracetam is used in the treatment of Epilepsy which is a brain disorder that causes repeated seizures. Uncontrolled jerking movements and loss of consciousness are some of the symptoms of Epilepsy.

• Seizures

  Levetiracetam is used in the treatment of seizures which is a brain disorder and may lead to Epilepsy if untreated. Brain injury or infection of the brain are the common causes of seizures.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Neurologist before using this medicine.

• Allergy

  Do not take if you have a known allergy to Levetiracetam.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Neurologist before using this medicine.

• Weakness

• Ataxia

• Depression

• Dizziness

• Nervousness

• Vertigo

• Coordination Disorder

• Pain

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Neurologist before using this medicine.

• How long is the duration of effect?

  The impact of this medication renders for an average duration of 10-12 hours.

• What is the onset of action?

  The peak effect of this medicine can be observed within 1 hour for an immediate release tablet and within 4 hours for an extended release tablet.

• Are there any pregnancy warnings?

  This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women. Use only if clearly needed under the supervision of the doctor.

• Is it habit forming?

  Habit forming tendency has been reported.

• Are there any breast-feeding warnings?

  This medicine is known to excreted through human breast milk. It is not recommended for breastfeeding women.

• Is It safe with alcohol?

  Consumption of a alcohol is found to be unsafe, if administered along with this medication.

• Is it safe to drive while on this medicine?

  This medicine may cause side effects which make you feel sleepy or dizzy and affect the alertness of the patient. Patient must not drive if you feel any of these symptoms.

• Does this affect kidney function?

  Caution must be taken in patient with kidney disease. Adjustment of dose might be needed. Kindly consult your doctor before taking it.

• Does this affect liver function?

  Limited information is available regarding its use in patient with liver disease. Adjustment of dose might not be needed. Kindly consult your doctor before taking it.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Neurologist before using this medicine.

• Are there any missed dose instructions?

  If you miss a dose of Levetiracetam, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double your dose to make up for the missed dose.

• Are there any overdose instructions?

  Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Neurologist before using this medicine.

• India

• United States

• Japan

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Neurologist before using this medicine.

Below is the list of medicines, which contains Levetiracetam as ingredient

• Levacetam 750 MG Tablet XR

  Micro Labs Ltd

• Levacetam 500 MG Tablet

  Micro Labs Ltd

• Levenue 750 MG Tablet

  Alkem Laboratories Ltd

• Fritolev 500 MG Tablet

  Arinna Lifesciences Pvt. Ltd

• Levecetam 250 MG Tablet

  Psycormedies

• Levera 250 MG Tablet

  Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd

• Levenue 500 MG Tablet

  Alkem Laboratories Ltd

• Levacetam 500 MG Tablet XR

  Micro Labs Ltd

• Fritolev 100 MG Injection

  Arinna Lifesciences Pvt. Ltd

• Epilive 500 MG Tablet

  Lupin Ltd

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Neurologist before using this medicine.

This medication belongs to the class anticonvulsants. It works by inhibiting the calcium channels and may bind to the synaptic proteins that alter neurotransmitter release and reduces the excitation of the brain cells.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Neurologist before using this medicine.

Whenever you take more than one medicine, or mix it with certain foods or beverages, you"re at risk of a drug interaction.

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• Interaction with Alcohol

  Consumption of alcohol with this medicine is not recommended as it can result in dizziness and difficulty in concentration. Avoid activities that need mental alertness like driving or operating machinery.

• Interaction with Lab Test

  Information not available.

• Interaction with Medicine

  Opioids

  Use of Levetiracetam with opioids or any cough preparations containing opioids is not recommended. Because, it may increase the risk of adverse effects like breathlessness, and even death. Suitable dose adjustments or an alternate medicine should be considered under the doctor's supervision.

  Nortriptyline

  Use of these medicines may increase the risk of dizziness, drowsiness, and confusion. This interaction is more likely to happen in the elderly population. Consumption of alcohol and operating heavy machinery or driving is not recommended. Suitable dose adjustments or an alternate medicine should be considered under doctor's supervision.

  Cetirizine

  Use of Levetiracetam with cetirizine or levocetirizine should be avoided if possible. This interaction is more likely to happen in the elderly population. Consumption of alcohol and operating heavy machinery or driving is not recommended. Suitable dose adjustments or an alternate medicine should be considered under doctor's supervision.

• Interaction with Food

  Information not available.

• Ques : What is Levetiracetam?

  Ans : Levetiracetam is a salt, active constituent of Levetiracetam, which performs its action by attaching to specific sites on the surfaces of nerve cells. This suppresses the abnormal activity of the nerve cells in the brain and prevents the spread of electrical signals that cause seizures. Levetiracetam is used to treat conditions such as Epilepsy and Seizures.

• Ques : What are the uses of Levetiracetam?

  Ans : Levetiracetam is a medication, which is used for the treatment and prevention from conditions such as Epilepsy and Seizures. The patient should inform the doctor about any ongoing medications and treatment before using Levetiracetam to avoid undesirable effects.

• Ques : What are the Side Effects of Levetiracetam?

  Ans : Side effects include Aggression or anger, Anxiety, Headache, Shivering, Loss of appetite, Dizziness, Mood swings, Weakness, Double vision, Muscle pain, Body pain, Cough, Skin rash, and Change in skin color.

• Ques : What are the instructions for storage and disposal Levetiracetam?

  Ans : Levetiracetam should be kept in a cool dry place and in its original pack. Make sure this medication remains unreachable to children and pets. The patient should consult a doctor for its further uses and side effects and should inform the doctor about any ongoing medications and treatment before using to avoid undesirable effects. It is a prescribed medication.

• Ques : Should I use Levetiracetam empty stomach, before food or after food?

  Ans : This medication’s consumption is not timed according to your meal. There will be no variation in the reaction of salts weather using it before or after having food. Though it is recommended to use it, at a fixed time in the day. It is advised to consult your doctor before using Levetiracetam.

• Ques : How long do I need to use Levetiracetam before I see improvement of my conditions?

  Ans : This medication should be consumed, until the complete eradication of the disease. Thus it is advised to use, till the time directed by your doctor. Also taking Levetiracetam longer than it was prescribed, can cause an inadequate effect on the patient's condition. So please consult your doctor.

• Ques : Is there any food or drink I need to avoid?

  Ans : You can follow your normal diet under the usage of this medication. Avoidance of any specific food product is not required. Though staying away from practices like drinking and smoking can improve your health.

• Ques : Will Levetiracetam be more effective if taken in more than the recommended dose?

  Ans : There is no need to take this medication more than its recommended doses. Taking over-dosage of this medication may trigger side effects. If the severity of the condition is not reducing with the recommended dosage of Levetiracetam, then the doctor should be consulted for re-examining your condition.

• Ques : Will Levetiracetam be more effective if taken in more than the recommended dose?

  Ans : No, taking higher than the recommended dose of this medication can lead to increased chances of side effects such as anxiety, balance disorder, convulsion, cough, depression, diarrhea, dizziness, eating disorder, headache, indigestion, infection, insomnia, irritability, Lethargy, etc.

• Ques : Is Levetiracetam safe to use when pregnant?

  Ans : This medication is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless absolutely necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.

• Ques : What are the contraindications to Levetiracetam?

  Ans : This medication should not be used if you have the following conditions such as severe skin reaction, severe allergic reaction, severe itching, rash, skin inflammation, hair loss, etc.

• Levetiracetam-Drug Information Portal [Internet].druginfo.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 25 May 2022].Available from:

  https://druginfo.nlm.nih.gov/drugportal/name/levetiracetam

• Levetiracetam-DrugBank Online [Internet].go.drugbank.com 2022 [Cited 25 May 2022].Available from:

  https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB01202

• LEVETIRACETAM Tablet,solution-DailyMed [Internet].dailymed.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 25 May 2022].Available from:

  https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/search.cfm?labeltype=all&query=LEVETIRACETAM