Levetiracetam - Common brands: Keppra

What levetiracetam is for

Levetiracetam is used to prevent seizures caused by epilepsy.

It works by blocking the signals in your brain that can cause seizures.

How to take levetiracetam

Levetiracetam comes as tablets, granules, a liquid and that you swallow and tablets you dissolve in your mouth (orodispersible).

How much you need to take depends on what type of medicine it is. Your doctor will tell you when to take it and how much. Most people need to take it once or twice a day.

You may start on a low dose but your doctor may increase it over a few weeks until you reach a dose that works for you.

When taking levetiracetam:

• try to take it at the same time each time – if you take it twice a day, this could be once in the morning and once in the evening
• take it with or without food
• swallow tablets whole with a glass of water – do not chew or crush them
• swallow granules straight from the packet, do not chew them – drink water with the granules or afterwards
• use the syringe or spoon that comes with the liquid medicine to help you measure the right dose – you can dilute the liquid in water if you want to
• put orodispersible tablets on your tongue and leave to fully dissolve

Always check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine. Ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice if you're not sure how to take it or have any problems taking it.

If you miss a dose of levetiracetam

If you forget to take levetiracetam, take it as soon as you remember, unless it's nearly time for your next dose.

If it's nearly time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take you next dose at the usual time.

Do not take 2 doses to make up for a missed dose.

If you take too much levetiracetam

Taking an extra dose of levetiracetam is unlikely to cause problems, but it's important to get medical advice if you take too much because it can sometimes be dangerous.

How to stop taking levetiracetam

Keep taking levetiracetam for as long as your doctor advises you to.

If your doctor advises you to stop taking it, your dose will usually need to be reduced gradually. Always follow your doctor's advice.

Side effects of levetiracetam

Like all medicines, levetiracetam can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.

Common side effects

Common side effects of levetiracetam include:

• dizziness
• feeling sleepy or tired
• headaches
• difficulty controlling body movements
• feeling sick (nausea) or being sick (vomiting)
• shaking or tremors
• feeling agitated, irritable or aggressive

If you feel tired, sleepy or dizzy after taking levetiracetam, do not drive, ride a bike or use machinery until these symptoms have gone away.

Serious side effects

Levetiracetam can sometimes cause serious side effects, although most of them are rare.

Possible serious side effects of levetiracetam include:

• an allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) – causing symptoms such as a swollen throat or tongue, a raised, itchy rash or difficulty breathing
• a skin reaction, such as a round, slightly raised rash (erythema multiforme), painful blisters (Stevens-Johnson syndrome), or peeling skin
• kidney problems – causing symptoms such as passing very little pee, feeling tired or confused, or having swollen legs, ankles or feet

Who can and cannot take levetiracetam

Most adults and children aged 1 month old and over can take levetiracetam.

But levetiracetam is not suitable for everyone. For example, it may not be suitable if:

• you've ever had an allergic reaction to or serious side effect from levetiracetam
• you have kidney problems
• you've had low mood (depression) or thoughts of harming or killing yourself

Before taking levetiracetam, tell your doctor if you have any other medical conditions.

Breastfeeding and levetiracetam

If you're breastfeeding, tell your doctor before taking levetiracetam.

Levetiracetam is not usually used while breastfeeding because the medicine can pass into your breast milk.

Your doctor will discuss it with you and may advise you to continue taking levetiracetam if the benefits to you outweigh the risks to your baby.

If you're taking levetiracetam while breastfeeding, speak to a healthcare professional or call NHS 111 if you have any concerns about your baby.

Pregnancy and levetiracetam

Tell your doctor if you're planning a pregnancy or you get pregnant while taking levetiracetam.

Levetiracetam can be used during pregnancy if needed. Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of taking it while you're pregnant.

If you need to take levetiracetam while you're pregnant, your doctor will prescribe the lowest possible effective dose. They may also advise you to take a higher dose of folic acid.

You may be advised to give birth in hospital so you and your baby can be closely monitored after you've given birth.

Find out more about taking levetiracetam during pregnancy on the Bumps (Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy) website

Taking levetiracetam with other medicines, food and drink

There are some medicines, herbal remedies and supplements that may not mix well with levetiracetam.

These include:

• macrogol, a laxative
• methotrexate, a medicine used to treat arthritis and other conditions

Do not use the herbal supplement St John's wort when taking levetiracetam.

Before you take levetiracetam, tell your doctor if you're taking any other medicines, herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.

Food and alcohol with levetiracetam

You can eat normally while taking levetiracetam.

But it's best not to drink alcohol while taking levetiracetam as it can increase the risk of side effects such as feeling sleepy.

Find out more about your medicine

To find out more about your medicine, you can:

• check the leaflet that comes with it
• search for your medicine leaflet on the electronic medicines compendium website
• check the information about levetiracetam on the Medicines for Children website
• speak to a pharmacist or doctor for advice – if you recently started taking it, you can get help with newly prescribed medicines from a pharmacist as part of the New Medicine Service