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What is Keppra: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Jan 12, 2021  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Keppra overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Roweepra XR, Keppra XR, Roweepra, Keppra, Spritam, PremierPro Rx levETIRAcetam, Keppra, levETIRAcetam Novaplus

Generic Names:

  • Levetiracetam

Uses:

  • Treats seizures., Treats seizures.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Anticonvulsant, Anticonvulsant

Forms:

  • Injectable, Liquid, Tablet, Tablet for Suspension, Long Acting Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth, By injection

What is Keppra used for?

Levetiracetam is a medication used to treat seizure disorders (epilepsy). Levetiracetam most likely works by affecting nerve cells that cause seizures. Levetiracetam is a generic medication also sold under the brand names Keppra, Levetiractam, and Elepsia. The immediate release tablet form of levetiracetam has been available in generic form since 2008. In the treatment of epilepsy, levetiracetam is approved in the US as add-on therapy.

What form(s) does Keppra come in

  • Injectable

  • Liquid

  • Tablet

  • Tablet for Suspension

  • Long Acting Tablet

What are common Keppra doses?

  • Tablet 250MG

  • Tablet 500MG

  • Tablet 750MG

  • Tablet 1000MG

  • Bottle 473ML of 100MG/ML

Common Keppra prescriptions

  • Keppra
    30 tablets bottle

  • Keppra
    473ml of 100mg/ml bottle

  • Keppra
    1000mg tablet

  • Keppra
    250mg tablet

  • Keppra
    500mg tablet

  • Keppra
    750mg tablet

  • Keppra
    5ml of 500mg/5ml vial

How to take Keppra

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you. Take your medicine at the same time each day.

  • Regular-release or extended-release tablet: Swallow whole. Do not break, crush, or chew it. Elepsia„¢ XR has a blue and white to off-white layer. If you do not see the blue or white, off-white layer, do not take the tablet. If you take the extended-release tablet, part of the tablet may pass into your stools. This is normal and is nothing to worry about.

  • Oral liquid: Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Spritam® dissolving tablet: Make sure your hands are dry before you handle the tablet. Do not open the blister pack until you are ready to take a tablet. Peel back the foil and remove the tablet. Do not push the tablet through the foil. To dissolve the tablet in your mouth, place the tablet on your tongue and take a sip of water. After the tablet has melted, swallow. Do not swallow the tablet whole.To dissolve the tablet in liquid so you can drink it, put a small amount of liquid (1 tablespoon or enough to cover the medicine) into a cup and add the tablet. Swirl the liquid gently so the tablet dissolves. After the tablet has dissolved, swallow this mixture right away . Then add a small amount of liquid to the cup again, swirl gently, and swallow this liquid so you get the full amount of medicine.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you. Take your medicine at the same time each day.

  • Oral liquid: Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Spritam® dissolving tablet: Make sure your hands are dry before you handle the tablet. Do not open the blister pack until you are ready to take a tablet. Peel back the foil and remove the tablet. Do not push the tablet through the foil. To dissolve the tablet in your mouth, place the tablet on your tongue and take a sip of water. After the tablet has melted, swallow. Do not swallow the tablet whole.To dissolve the tablet in liquid so you can drink it, put a small amount of liquid (1 tablespoon or enough to cover the medicine) into a cup and add the tablet. Swirl the liquid gently so the tablet dissolves. After the tablet has dissolved, swallow this mixture right away . Then add a small amount of liquid to the cup again, swirl gently, and swallow this liquid so you get the full amount of medicine.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Regular-release or extended-release tablet: Swallow whole. Do not break, crush, or chew it. Elepsia„¢ XR has a blue and white to off-white layer. If you do not see the blue or white, off-white layer, do not take the tablet. If you take the extended-release tablet, part of the tablet may pass into your stools. This is normal and is nothing to worry about.

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

  • Injection routeYour doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein.

  • Injection routeA nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.

  • Your doctor will give you a few doses of this medicine until your condition improves, and then switch you to an oral medicine that works the same way. If you have any concerns about this, talk to your doctor.

  • Injection routeYour doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein.

  • Injection routeA nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.

  • Your doctor will give you a few doses of this medicine until your condition improves, and then switch you to an oral medicine that works the same way. If you have any concerns about this, talk to your doctor.

Keppra contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to levetiracetam.

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to levetiracetam.

Keppra warnings

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, high blood pressure, or a history of depression or mental health problems.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Unusual changes in mood or behaviorDecreased numbers of blood cells, including anemiaSerious allergic and skin reactionsProblems with muscle control and coordinationHigh blood pressure

  • This medicine may make you dizzy, drowsy, or clumsy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

  • Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely. Your seizures may return or occur more often if you stop using this medicine suddenly.

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

  • Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, or a history of depression or mental illness.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Changes in mood or behaviorSerious allergic or skin reactionsProblems with muscle control or coordinationDecreased numbers of blood cells

  • This medicine may make you dizzy, drowsy, or clumsy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

  • Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely. Your seizures may return or occur more often if you stop using this medicine too quickly.

  • Problems with balance, coordination, or walking

Keppra interactions

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease or a history of depression or mental illness.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Changes in mood or behaviorSerious skin reactionsProblems with muscle control or coordinationDecreased numbers of blood cells

  • This medicine may make you dizzy, drowsy, or clumsy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

  • Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely. Your seizures may return or occur more often if you stop using this medicine too quickly.

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease or high blood pressure.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Decreased numbers of blood cells, including anemiaSerious skin reactionsHigh blood pressure

  • This medicine may cause depression, thoughts of suicide, or changes in mood or behavior. Tell your doctor if you have a history of depression or mental health problems.

  • This medicine may make you dizzy, drowsy, or clumsy. Do not drive or do anything that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

  • Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely. Your seizures may return or occur more often if you stop using this medicine suddenly.

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

  • Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Keppra side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Problems with balance, coordination, or walking

  • Unusual bleeding or bruising

  • Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Behavior changes, depression, hostility, irritability, restlessness, trouble concentrating, moodiness, or thoughts of hurting yourself

  • Blistering, peeling, red skin rash

  • Extreme sleepiness, tiredness, or weakness

  • Unusual bleeding or bruising

  • Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches

  • Unusual changes in mood or behavior, depression, thoughts of hurting yourself

  • Problems with balance, coordination, or walking

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Blistering, peeling, red skin rash

  • Extreme sleepiness, tiredness, or weakness

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Headache, dizziness

  • Stuffy or runny nose

  • Decreased appetite, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting

  • Lack or loss of strength

  • Dizziness or headache

  • Stuffy or runny nose

  • Neck pain

  • Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the needle is placed

  • Decreased appetite, diarrhea, vomiting

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