Keppra Description

Keppra is the common name of the drug Levetiracetam. It is manufactured by UCB Pharmaceuticals Inc. It is an anti-convulsant medicine, which is prescribed for the treatment of epilepsy in adults and in children above the age of four years. It may even be prescribed for treating tonic-clonic seizures as well as myoclonic seizures in both adults and children. Usually children will have to be of a certain age before they can use Keppra.

Conditions Treated by Keppra

Keppra is used on its own to treat epileptic seizures as it is an anti-epileptic drug. It can be prescribed to treat various types of seizures associated with epilepsy. It is available in many different strengths from 250mg to 1000mg. Depending on the severity of your condition you will be prescribed a particular type of Keppra pill. Keppra is also available in liquid form if you prefer.

Keppra Dosage Information

a.) Typical Dosage Recommendations

You should always follow the directions given by your doctor regarding the amount of tablets to take. Your doctor would advise you on the number and frequency so you should remember to follow these instructions. Incorrect consumption can lead to serious complications so it is crucial that you know exactly how and when to take the medicine.

You should continue taking Keppra, and discontinue only after consulting with your doctor. If you suddenly stop taking the drug, you could suffer from worse seizures so ensure that you get your doctor’s approval first.

You should take the Keppra tablet with a full tumbler of water. If you are using the liquid form then make sure you measure out the exact dose using a dose-measuring cup or spoon. You must be very careful when doing so as an incorrect dose can cause serious health issues and compromise the effectiveness of the medicine.

Make sure that you do not damage the Keppra tablet in any way as this can alter the composition of the medicine and affect its strength. You should swallow without chewing or biting the pill. Doing so could allow the medicine within to leak into your mouth and this would not help your condition.

Keppra is a drug that needs to be used continuously for effective results to be seen. Make sure that you always have enough tablets with you and restock your bottle before the pills run out.

b.) Missing a Dose

In case you miss a dose it is generally advised that you forget about the missed tablet and avoid consuming extra tablets. If the time has come for the next dose, then take one and leave it at that.

c.) Overdosing

You should be careful to avoid consuming too many pills at any one time. You should get immediate medical assistance if you encounter any of these overdose symptoms: aggression, drowsiness, weakness, shallow breathing, or fainting.

Keppra Warnings

You shouldn’t drink alcohol when using Keppra as it can exacerbate the side-effects associated with this drug. What’s more, it can also increase your risk of suffering from seizures. You should also be very careful when doing tasks for which alertness is required.

You must wear a medical alert bracelet or carry an ID card around with you in case of an emergency. When visiting the doctor, dentist or any other medical practitioner you should always provide information about your Keppra prescription.

Remember to always attend scheduled medical tests; your blood and liver functions will need to be tested regularly to ensure that Keppra is not causing any harm to your body. You must inform the doctor in case you are allergic to any drugs. You should also tell him about any kidney diseases you suffer from.

Keppra may cause suicidal tendencies so you should tell your family and friends to watch out for any signs of increased depression or moodiness. You should keep your doctor updated regarding any increasing depression or moodiness.

Keppra Side Effects

The common side effects of Keppra are as follows:

• Dizziness
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Runny nose
• Neck pain
• Drowsiness

Crucial side effects include:

• Hallucinations
• Worse seizures
• Stomach pain
• Fever or flu symptoms
• Weakness
• Itching
• Nausea
• Dark urine

If you suffer from any of these symptoms you should contact your doctor immediately.

Possible Drug Interactions With Keppra

If you are using any other drugs, vitamin pills or herbal medicines then you should inform your doctor. Keppra may interact with any of these compounds and result in serious side effects. Hence, it is important that your doctor knows all about what you are taking.

• acetaminophen/propoxyphene (Wygesic, Balacet, Darvocet, Trycet)
• sodium oxybate (Xyrem)
• propoxyphene (Darvon)

This is not a complete list of all medications that may interact with Keppra. Please notify all of your health care providers about the prescription and over-the-counter medications you currently take. This should include a complete list of all vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a treatment of a new medicine without properly notifying your primary health care professional or doctor.