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Information on Tablets A-Z
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Brand Names:
Keppra
Medication prescribed:
Levetiracetam is used in combination with other medications to treat seizures in adults with epilepsy. Levetiracetam is in a class of medications called anticonvulsants. It works by decreasing abnormal excitement in the brain.
How should this medicine be used:
Levetiracetam comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken twice a day with or without food. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take levetiracetam exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Your doctor may start you on a low dose of levetiracetam and gradually increase your dose.
Levetiracetam controls epilepsy but does not cure it. Continue to take levetiracetam even if you feel well. Do not stop taking levetiracetam without talking to your doctor. If you suddenly stop taking levetiracetam, your seizures may become worse. Your doctor will probably decrease your dose gradually.
Other uses for this medicine:
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Special precautions:
Before taking levetiracetam,
tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to levetiracetam or any other medications.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking.
tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney disease.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking levetiracetam, call your doctor.
you should know that levetiracetam may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this medication.
Special dietary instructions:
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
If I forget a dose:
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
What side effects:
Levetiracetam may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
drowsiness
muscle weakness
unsteady walking
coordination problems
headache
pain
loss of appetite
forgetfulness
anxiety
dizziness
moodiness
nervousness
painful, burning, or tingling feeling in the hands or feet
sore throat
runny nose
sinus pain
Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:
depression
anxiety
hearing voices or seeing visions that do not exist (hallucinations)
hostility
thoughts of killing yourself
fever, sore throat, and other signs of infection
double vision
Levetiracetam may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
What storage conditions:
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of overdose:
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Other information:
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
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