Keppra
Levetiracetam
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Keppra
Keppra is an anticonvulsant medicine and how it acts is not known clearly. It may be acting by slowing down the abnormal nerve impulses in the brain.
Therapeutic Uses of Keppra
Keppra is used in the treatment of seizures (partial onset, myoclonic, or generalized tonic-clonic seizures) in epilepsy patients. Usually it is used in combination with other medicines. It can also be used in other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Direction of use of Keppra
Take Keppra as per direction of your doctor or follow the procedure given below and ask your doctor if you have any question about Keppra:
- Keppra should be taken orally with food or on empty stomach.
- Swallow the pill as a whole without breaking it, crushing it or chewing it.
- Keppra should be taken at the same time everyday to get the best result of the medicine.
- Keep taking Keppra for long time even if you feel better and do not stop taking it. You should not miss the dose also, take Keppra regularly.
If You Miss a Dose of Keppra
If you are taking Keppra regularly and miss a dose of it, you should take it as soon as you remember it. Skip the missed dose of Keppra, if you miss it for long time and it becomes almost time for the next dose and follow the normal dosing time. Never take 2 doses of Keppra at a time.
How to Store Keppra
Keppra should ideally be stored between 68 and 77 degree Fahrenheit. Storage for a brief period of time from 59 to 86 degree F is permitted without any problem. Store it in a tightly closed container in a dry place away from heat and light. Keep it out of reach of children and pets. Do not store Keppra in your bathroom.
More Information About Keppra
If you have any question regarding Keppra, you should ask your doctor or other health care provider. It should be taken by the person only, for whom the medicine has been prescribed. This medicine should never be shared with others.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Keppra
Do not use Keppra if you are allergic to any of the ingredients of Keppra and inform your doctor immediately.
Some medical conditions may interact with Keppra. You should inform your doctor or other health care provider if you have any medical condition that may interact with Keppra. The following are the medical conditions that may interact with Keppra:
- If you are pregnant, planning to have a baby or if you are breast feeding.
- If you are allergic to any food, medicine other than Keppra or any other substance.
- If you are suffering from any liver or kidney problem or if you are on dialysis.
- If you have history of any mental problem, mood problem or mood disturbance.
- If you are taking any medicine that may be prescribed medicine or OTC (over the counter) medicine, any diet supplement or ant herbal preparation.
Some medicines may also interact with Keppra, but at present no specific medicine is known to interact with it.
Possible Adverse Effects of Keppra
If you experience any common side effects of Keppra and they become troublesome, you should consult your doctor. The following are the common side effects of Keppra:
- Nausea, vomiting, weakness, tiredness, drowsiness, running nose, loss of appetite etc.
You should get immediate medical attention if you experience any serious side effects of Keppra. The following are the serious side effects of Keppra:
- Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); behavioral changes like aggression, agitation, anger, apathy, irritability, hostility etc. Other serious side effects are depression, hallucinations, memory loss, mental or mood changes, seizures, suicidal thoughts or suicidal attempts tiredness, weakness, irrational thoughts or beliefs, decreased coordination, severe drowsiness, unusual bruising, unusual bleeding, changes in vision, ; yellowing of the skin or eyes etc.
