What Is Keppra Used For?

Keppra contains the active ingredient levetiracetam and belongs to a class of medications called antiepileptic drugs. It is specifically designed to help control epilepsy in patients of various ages.

Primary Uses

Keppra is used to control epilepsy, a condition where you have repeated seizures. There are many different types of seizures, ranging from mild to severe. For children 4 years and above, it’s used as add-on therapy with other medicines. For patients 16 years and above, it can be used by itself, depending on your doctor’s decision and the type of seizures you have.

How It Works

Keppra is an antiepileptic drug that helps control seizures. Most antiepileptic medications take time to work, so you may not feel better immediately. This medicine helps control your condition but does not cure it, which is why you must take it every day, even when you feel well.

How to Take Keppra

Your doctor will determine the exact amount of Keppra you need based on your age, condition, and other medications you may be taking. It’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully and take the medication consistently.

Dosage Instructions

For patients 12 years and older, the typical dosage is between 1000 mg (10 mL) and 3000 mg (30 mL) daily, divided into two doses. For children 4 to 11 years, the doctor will calculate the dose based on the child’s weight. Take Keppra twice daily – once in the morning and once at night, at about the same time each day. It doesn’t matter if you take it before or after food. For tablets: swallow whole with water. For oral solution: use the provided syringe to measure the exact amount and may dilute in water or baby’s bottle.

What If You Miss a Dose?

If you miss a dose, contact your doctor for guidance. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed one, as this may increase your risk of side effects. Try to take Keppra at the same time each day to maintain consistent levels in your body.

Available Tablet Strengths

Side Effects

Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.

Common Side Effects

These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:

• Dizziness
• Forgetfulness
• Loss of concentration
• Headaches
• Rash
• Itchy and dry skin
• Common cold symptoms
• Upset stomach
• Diarrhea
• Blurred vision
• Muscle pain
• Feeling tired, drowsy or sleepy
• Feeling weak

Important Warnings

Before starting Keppra, it’s crucial to inform your doctor about your medical history and any other medications you’re taking. There are certain conditions and situations where Keppra may not be suitable or may require special monitoring.

Who Should Not Take Keppra

Do not use Keppra if you are allergic to levetiracetam or any of the ingredients listed. The oral solution contains maltitol and should not be used if you have hereditary problems of fructose intolerance, as it may cause serious side effects.

Medical Conditions to Discuss

Tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver problems, allergic reactions to barbiturates or other antiepileptic medicines, or any mental health conditions such as depression. Always check the ingredients to ensure you can safely use this medicine.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Keppra may affect your developing baby, but controlling seizures during pregnancy is very important. Your doctor will weigh the risks and benefits. If breastfeeding, discuss with your doctor as the active ingredient passes into breast milk and may affect your baby.

Drug Interactions

While Keppra doesn’t interact with many medications, it’s important to tell your doctor about all medicines, vitamins, and supplements you’re taking to ensure safe and effective treatment.

• Other antiepileptic medicines may affect contraceptive effectiveness when used with Keppra
• Your doctor may recommend additional contraception methods if combining with other seizure medications

Alcohol & Driving

Keppra can affect your ability to drive safely and may interact with alcohol. It’s important to understand these effects before engaging in activities that require full alertness.

Alcohol

Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol. Combining alcohol with Keppra may make you drowsy. Your doctor may suggest avoiding alcohol while being treated with Keppra.

Driving and Operating Machinery

Be careful before driving or using machines until you know how Keppra affects you. The medication may cause dizziness or drowsiness, especially at the beginning of treatment or after a dose increase. If you feel dizzy or drowsy, do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything that could be dangerous. Children should not ride bikes, climb trees, or engage in potentially dangerous activities if feeling dizzy or drowsy.

Storage

Store Keppra tablets and oral solution below 25°C in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. Keep tablets in their original pack until use. For oral solution, keep in the original bottle and use within 7 months after opening – write the opening date and discard date on the bottle label. Store away from moisture, heat, and sunlight, and keep out of reach of children.

Overdose Information

If you think you have taken too much Keppra, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Call the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department. Symptoms of overdose may include feeling drowsy. Seek help even if you don’t feel unwell, as symptoms may not appear immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions