Levetiracetam was approved by the U.S. FDA to treat seizures and epilepsy on 3 rd August 2015.

Levetiracetam has been approved to treat seizures and epilepsy.

The recommended initial dose of Levetiracetam is 500 mg twice daily.  Follow your doctor's instructions exactly. Take this Levetiracetam tablet twice a day, with or without food. Avoid breaking or chewing the tablet. Instead, swallow it whole with a glass of water. Sudden withdrawal of this medicine increases the risk of seizures.

The common side effects that are likely to occur while you are on the treatment with Levetiracetam are nasopharyngitis (Inflammation of the nose and throat), sleepiness, headache, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, infection, loss of appetite, tremors, rashes, diarrhea, indigestion, vertigo, cough, etc. Inform your healthcare professional if these side effects disturb you or persist. Report to your doctor immediately if you have an allergic reaction like swelling of the face, mouth, or throat and muscle coordination problems.

Contact your physician immediately if you experience allergies to Levetiracetam and its ingredients. Inform your physician if you have kidney or liver conditions. While taking this medicine, your doctor monitors kidney functions through regular blood tests. Before taking this medication, let your healthcare provider know if you have a medical history of irregular heartbeats or salt imbalances. Consult your doctor if you notice any slowdown in your child's growth or unexpected puberty development.

 Consult your doctor before using this medication if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby. Levetiracetam tablets should not be taken while pregnant unless specifically advised by your doctor, as it can cause harmful effects on the developing baby. Avoid breastfeeding your baby while on the treatment, as Levetiracetam passes into the breastmilk and affects the baby.

It is suggested to inform your physician if you have a history of allergic reactions to Levetiracetam to avoid life-threatening complications. Tell your doctor before the treatment commencement if you are pregnant or having liver or kidney problems. Eat a well-balanced diet and exercise regularly, which can help to reduce anxiety. Avoid alcohol consumption.

1. UCB Pharma Ltd., Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on Dec 2021] [Accessed on 27th October 2022], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.2293.pdf
2. UCB, Inc., US Food & Drug Administration, [Revised on April 2017] [Accessed on 27th October 2022], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2018/020386s062lbl.pdf
3. Bassel Abou-Khalil; Levetiracetam in the treatment of epilepsy;  Published on June 2008; Accessed on 27/10/2022 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2526377/
4. KD Tripathi, Antiepileptic drugs, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, 7th Edition, 2019, 421-423.

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice; it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.