Levetiracetam Viatris (Levetiracetam)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Levetiracetam Viatris Used For?
Levetiracetam Viatris tablets are prescribed to help control epilepsy, a condition that causes repeated seizures. These seizures can range from mild to severe, and this medication helps prevent them from occurring.
Primary Uses
This medication is used to control epilepsy and prevent seizures. It may be used alone or combined with other antiepileptic medications to treat your specific condition.
How It Works
Levetiracetam belongs to a group of medications called antiepileptics. These drugs work by controlling brain chemicals that send signals to nerves, preventing seizures from happening.
Good to know: There is no evidence that Levetiracetam Viatris tablets are addictive.
How to Take Levetiracetam Viatris
Always follow your doctor’s instructions carefully, as they may differ from general guidelines. Your doctor will determine the right dose based on your age, condition, and other medications you’re taking.
Dosage Instructions
For patients 12 years and older: Generally between 1000 mg and 3000 mg daily, taken in two doses. For children 4-11 years: Your doctor will calculate the dose based on the child’s weight. Take twice daily, once in the morning and once at night, at about the same time each day. Swallow tablets whole with a glass of water. Can be taken with or without food.
What If You Miss a Dose?
Contact your doctor if you have missed one or more doses. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose, as this may increase the chance of side effects. If you have trouble remembering doses, ask your pharmacist for helpful tips.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose – this may increase your risk of side effects.
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
- Feeling weak
- Headache
- Common cold symptoms
- Upset stomach
- Diarrhea
- Feeling tired, drowsy, or sleepy
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Thoughts of harming yourself
- More frequent or severe seizures
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing or difficulty breathing
- Swelling of face, lips, mouth, throat, tongue, or other body parts
- Rash, itching, or hives on skin
- Mood changes (depression, nervousness, aggression, anger, anxiety, confusion, hallucinations, irritability)
- Upper respiratory tract infections
- Weight loss
Important Warnings
Before starting Levetiracetam Viatris, it’s important to discuss your medical history and current medications with your doctor to ensure safe use.
Who Should Not Take Levetiracetam Viatris
Do not take if you are allergic to levetiracetam or any ingredients in the tablets. Signs of allergic reaction include shortness of breath, wheezing, difficulty breathing, swelling of face/lips/tongue, rash, itching, or hives. Do not use expired or damaged tablets. Safety has not been established in children under 4 years of age.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems, liver problems, allergies to other antiepileptic drugs (such as carbamazepine, lamotrigine, valproate) or barbiturates (such as phenobarbitone), or allergies to foods, preservatives, or dyes.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. This medication may affect your developing baby, but controlling seizures during pregnancy is very important. Your doctor will weigh the risks and benefits. The medication passes into breast milk and may affect your baby. Discuss risks and benefits with your doctor if breastfeeding.
Mental Health Warning: Tell your doctor immediately if you have symptoms of depression or thoughts of harming yourself.
Drug Interactions
Tell your doctor about all medications you’re taking, including over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and herbal products.
Contraception: If taking with other antiepileptic drugs, your doctor may advise using additional contraceptive methods as these combinations may affect birth control pill effectiveness.
- Other antiepileptic drugs may affect oral contraceptive effectiveness
- May be prescribed with other antiepileptic medications
Alcohol & Driving
Levetiracetam Viatris may cause dizziness or drowsiness, especially when starting treatment or after dose increases. Take precautions with activities requiring alertness.
Alcohol
Be careful when drinking alcohol while taking this medication. Combining Levetiracetam Viatris with alcohol can increase drowsiness. Your doctor may suggest avoiding alcohol during treatment.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything dangerous if you feel dizzy or drowsy. Children should not ride bikes, climb trees, or engage in potentially dangerous activities if experiencing dizziness or drowsiness.
Storage
Keep tablets in their original pack until ready to take them. Store in a cool, dry place below 25°C. Do not store in the bathroom, near sinks, on window sills, or in cars on hot days, as heat and dampness can damage the medication. Keep out of reach of children – a locked cupboard at least 1.5 meters above ground is recommended.
Overdose Information
If you suspect an overdose, immediately contact your doctor, Poison Information Centre (Australia: 131 126, New Zealand: 0800 POISON or 0800 764 766), or go to the nearest hospital emergency department, even if no symptoms are present. Overdose symptoms may include feeling drowsy. You may need urgent medical attention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most antiepileptic drugs take time to work, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t feel better right away. Your doctor may start you on a low dose and slowly increase it until you’re taking enough to control your epilepsy.
Yes, it doesn’t matter if you take Levetiracetam Viatris before or after food. You can take it with or without meals.
No, there is no evidence that Levetiracetam Viatris tablets are addictive.
Do not stop taking Levetiracetam Viatris suddenly as this may cause unwanted effects or make your condition worse. Your doctor will slowly reduce your dose before you can stop taking it completely.
Be careful when drinking alcohol while taking this medication. Combining Levetiracetam Viatris and alcohol can make you more drowsy. Your doctor may suggest you avoid alcohol while being treated.
Contact your doctor if you have missed one or more doses. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose, as this may increase the chance of side effects.
Keep tablets in their original pack until it’s time to take them. Store in a cool, dry place below 25°C, away from heat and dampness. Keep out of reach of children.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.