Levetiracetam (lee-va-tye-RA-se-tam)

Used to help control certain types of seizures that are caused by epilepsy. This medicine is an antiepileptic.

Brand Name(s):

Keppra, Keppra XR

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Liquid, Tablet, Long Acting Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Your dose may need to be changed several times in order to find out what works best for you. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• Try to take your medicine at the same time each day.
• You may take this medicine with or without food.
• Swallow the tablet or the extended-release tablet whole. Do not break, crush, or chew it. There is an oral liquid form of this medicine if you or your child cannot swallow the tablets.
• Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
• This medicine can be used with other seizure medicines. Keep using all of your seizure medicines unless your doctor tells you to stop.
• Take only the form of this medicine that your doctor prescribed. If you refill your prescription and your pills look different, do not take the medicine and tell your doctor or pharmacist right away.
• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. Ask your pharmacist for the Medication Guide if you do not have one. Your doctor might ask you to sign some forms to show that you understand this information.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using other medicines to treat or prevent seizures.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Your doctor may want you to join the UCB AED Pregnancy Registry or North American Antiepileptic Drug Pregnancy Registry. These registries are used by pregnant patients who are using this medicine.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease or are receiving dialysis. Tell your doctor if you have a history of depression or mental illness.
• This medicine may cause changes in mood or behavior, clumsiness or unsteadiness, or unusual tiredness or weakness. Tell your doctor right away if you or your child start to feel depressed, anxious, angry, irritable, restless, or have thoughts about hurting yourself. Report any unusual thoughts or behavior that trouble you, especially if they are new or getting worse quickly.
• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly without asking your doctor. You may need to slowly decrease your dose before stopping it completely. Stopping the medicine suddenly may cause your seizures to return or to occur more often.
• This medicine may make you dizzy, drowsy, or less alert than you are normally. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
• Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect the results of certain medical tests.
• Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Anxiety, agitation, confusion, hostility, irritability, depression, anger, or any mood or behavior changes.
• Chest pain.
• Extreme sleepiness or drowsiness (especially in children).
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches.
• Hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there).
• Increased seizures.
• Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet.
• Problems with balance, coordination, or walking.
• Sudden and severe stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting.
• Thoughts of hurting yourself or others.
• Unusual bleeding or bruising.
• Unusual tiredness or weakness (especially in children).
• Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Double vision.
• Flu-like symptoms.
• Headache or dizziness.
• Lack or loss of strength.
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, loss of appetite, or stomach pain.
• Neck pain.
• Problems with memory.
• Rash.
• Sensation of spinning.
• Stuffy or runny nose.
• Trouble sleeping.
• Weight gain.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088