Levetiracetam: What is it Used For?

What is Levetiracetam?

Levetiracetam is an anticonvulsant medication used to treat epilepsy in adults and children. It is also used to prevent seizures in people with myoclonic seizures, a type of seizure that causes sudden, brief muscle contractions. Levetiracetam is thought to work by binding to a protein in the brain called the synaptic vesicle protein 2A (SV2A). This binding prevents the release of neurotransmitters, which are chemicals that transmit signals between nerve cells. By reducing the release of neurotransmitters, levetiracetam can help to prevent seizures.

What Conditions is Levetiracetam Used to Treat?

Levetiracetam is used to treat the following conditions:

• Epilepsy in adults and children. Levetiracetam is effective in treating all types of epilepsy, including partial seizures, generalized seizures, and myoclonic seizures.
• Myoclonic seizures in adults and children. Levetiracetam is effective in preventing myoclonic seizures, which are sudden, brief muscle contractions.
• Partial seizures in adults and children. Levetiracetam is effective in treating partial seizures, which are seizures that start in one part of the brain.
• Generalized seizures in adults and children. Levetiracetam is effective in treating generalized seizures, which are seizures that affect the entire brain.
• Myoclonus in adults. Levetiracetam is effective in treating myoclonus, which is a condition that causes sudden, brief muscle contractions.

How is Levetiracetam Used?

Levetiracetam is taken orally as a tablet or solution. The usual dose of levetiracetam is 1,000 mg to 3,000 mg per day, divided into two or three doses. The dose of levetiracetam may be adjusted based on the patient's response to the medication.

What are the Side Effects of Levetiracetam?

The most common side effects of levetiracetam include:

• Somnolence (sleepiness)
• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Tremor
• Anxiety
• Depression

What are the Benefits of Levetiracetam?

Levetiracetam is an effective medication for treating epilepsy and myoclonic seizures. It is well-tolerated with few side effects. Levetiracetam is also relatively inexpensive, making it an affordable option for patients.

What are the Risks of Levetiracetam?

Levetiracetam is generally well-tolerated, but there are some risks associated with its use. These risks include:

• Suicidal thoughts or behavior
• Mood changes
• Psychosis
• Hepatic failure
• Pancreatitis
• Stevens-Johnson syndrome

Who Should Not Take Levetiracetam?

Levetiracetam should not be taken by people who are allergic to it. Levetiracetam should also be used with caution in people with kidney problems or liver problems.

How Can I Get Levetiracetam?

Levetiracetam is available by prescription only. It is important to take levetiracetam exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take more or less levetiracetam than prescribed. Do not stop taking levetiracetam without talking to your doctor.

Additional Information

Levetiracetam is a safe and effective medication for treating epilepsy and myoclonic seizures. It is well-tolerated with few side effects. Levetiracetam is also relatively inexpensive, making it an affordable option for patients.

If you have epilepsy or myoclonic seizures, talk to your doctor about whether levetiracetam is right for you.

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Tips and Tricks

• Take levetiracetam with food to reduce nausea.
• Avoid alcohol while taking levetiracetam.
• Do not drive or operate heavy machinery while taking levetiracetam.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Levetiracetam can interact with other medications. Tell your doctor about all medications you are taking.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Do not take more or less levetiracetam than prescribed.
• Do not stop taking levetiracetam without talking to your doctor.
• Do not drive or operate heavy machinery while taking levetiracetam.
• Do not drink alcohol while taking levetiracetam.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.