KEPPRA XR

Keppra XR, the extended-release formulation of levetiracetam, is prescribed as an anti-epileptic medication. It is used to manage partial onset seizures in individuals aged 4 and above. Additionally, it is used for the treatment of tonic-clonic seizures in those aged 6 and older, as well as myoclonic seizures in both adults and children.

Using Keppra may lead to drowsiness, impaired coordination, and an impact on your ability to drive or operate machinery. It is advisable to avoid alcohol while taking this medication. If you experience a rash or any concerning side effects while on Keppra, promptly consult your doctor.

Drowsiness, dizziness, unusual fatigue, or weakness may manifest as side effects, especially during the initial 4 weeks of treatment. Typically, these side effects diminish as your body adapts to the medication. If any of these symptoms persist or worsen, contact your doctor or pharmacist without delay.

Keppra is a prescription medication utilized for managing specific types of seizures in individuals with epilepsy, including partial onset seizures, myoclonic seizures, and tonic-clonic seizures. Keppra XR is designed for individuals aged 12 and older when treating partial onset seizures.

Levetiracetam is administered either alone or in combination with other drugs to help control certain seizure types (e.g., partial seizures, myoclonic seizures, or tonic-clonic seizures) in the management of epilepsy. This medication does not provide a cure for epilepsy and will only manage seizures as long as it is consistently used.

Weight gain can be a concern with some anti-seizure medications like valproic acid, gabapentin, pregabalin, etc. Keppra, however, is considered weight-neutral.

Watch out for unusual changes in mood or behavior, confusion, hallucinations, loss of balance or coordination, extreme drowsiness, profound weakness or fatigue, difficulty in walking or moving, and any degree of skin rash. Report these symptoms to your healthcare provider, regardless of their severity.

It typically takes around 5.5 times the elimination half-life for a medication to be completely eliminated from your system. For Keppra, which has a plasma half-life of approximately 7 1 hour in adults and is unaffected by dosage or repeated use, it may take about 44 hours (5.5 x 8 hours) for the drug to be eliminated.

In clinical studies, levetiracetam (Keppra) was observed to raise blood pressure in children under 4 years of age, but this effect did not seem to occur in older children or adults.

Common side effects of Keppra may include reduced appetite and increased thirst.

The peak plasma concentration of Keppra XR occurs approximately 4 hours after administration. Consuming a high-fat, high-calorie meal before taking extended-release levetiracetam tablets can result in a higher peak concentration and a longer median time to peak.

As your body becomes accustomed to levetiracetam, these side effects should diminish. If they persist beyond 1 or 2 weeks, your doctor may consider adjusting your dose or administering it more gradually. If these measures are ineffective, switching to an alternative medication may be necessary. Ensure adequate rest and hydration during this period.

Treatment typically begins with a daily dose of 1000 mg, administered as two 500 mg doses taken twice daily. Additional dose increases may be considered (1000 mg/day every 2 weeks) until a maximum recommended daily dose of 3000 mg is reached.

Keppra XR is a modified formulation of the same medication, with ‘XR’ denoting ‘extended-release,’ which means the pills take longer to dissolve and release the drug. Many individuals find it challenging to adhere to a frequent dosing schedule, which is required for regular Keppra. Most often, Keppra needs to be taken two or more times a day.

There is no evidence to suggest that doses exceeding 3000 mg per day provide any additional therapeutic benefit.

Possible drug interactions with Keppra include alcohol and antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine, doxylamine, diphenhydramine, hydroxyzine, loratadine) as well as antipsychotics (e.g., chlorpromazine, clozapine, haloperidol, olanzapine, quetiapine, risperidone) and azelastine.

Keppra is rapidly and nearly completely absorbed after oral administration, resulting in a reduction in seizure frequency by approximately 20 to 40% in a portion of individuals who use it.

The newer medication, Briviact, is known for its higher selectivity and stronger binding affinity to certain receptors compared to Keppra. Both Briviact and Keppra are used as monotherapy for the treatment of partial-onset seizures.

The precise mechanism of action of levetiracetam is still not fully understood, but it is known to bind to synaptic vesicle protein 2A, a protein involved in the release of neurotransmitters from nerve cells. This interaction helps stabilize electrical activity in the brain, thereby preventing seizures.

Levetiracetam, also known as Keppra, is the generic name for this antiepileptic drug manufactured by UCB. While Keppra is available worldwide, its name and appearance may vary in different regions.

Both drugs are effective for their licensed indications. Your doctor will discuss which medication is the most suitable considering your health circumstances and condition which is being treated.

Keppra (levetiracetam) and Topamax (topiramate) are medications prescribed to manage epilepsy, specifically targeting various types of seizures. Additionally, Topamax is used in the prevention of migraine headaches.

Treatment initiation typically involves a daily dosage of 1000 mg, administered in two equally divided doses (500 mg twice daily). Dosing adjustments can be made, with increments of 1000 mg/day every two weeks, up to a maximum recommended daily dose of 3000 mg.

Brivaracetam (BRV) is a highly selective and reversible ligand for SV2A receptors, exhibiting a 15- to 30-fold higher affinity in the rat or human brain compared to levetiracetam. Clinical studies have indicated that BRV may also be an effective and well-tolerated adjunctive treatment option for patients with RFS.

Recommended dosages for age groups are as follows:

1 monthless than 6 months: 7 mg/kg twice daily or 21 mg/kg twice daily

6 monthsless than 4 years: 10 mg/kg twice daily or 25 mg/kg twice daily

4 yearsless than 16 years: 10 mg/kg twice daily or 30 mg/kg twice daily

16 years and older: 500 mg twice daily or 1500 mg twice daily

Keppra should be taken twice daily, ideally in the morning and evening, at approximately the same time each day for optimal effectiveness. Whether taken before or after meals does not impact its efficacy.

Keppra may lead to drowsiness, coordination difficulties, and impairment of driving or operating machinery. Alcohol consumption should be avoided. If you experience a rash or any concerning side effects while using Keppra, promptly consult your doctor.

While undergoing treatment with levetiracetam, it is advisable to limit alcohol consumption and adhere to the prescribed dosage. Caution should be exercised when engaging in activities requiring mental alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until the medication’s effects are known.

Side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, unusual tiredness, or weakness may initially occur, with these effects being more frequent during the first 4 weeks. Typically, they subside as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these symptoms persist or worsen, consult your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Some individuals take vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) alongside levetiracetam to mitigate the likelihood of mood changes when using the medication.

Keppra has a plasma half-life of approximately 7 1 hour in adults and is unaffected by dose or repeated administration. Consequently, it takes around 44 hours (5.5 x 8 hours) for Keppra to be completely eliminated.

In the event of an overdose on Keppra (Levetiracetam), one may experience symptoms such as profound drowsiness, restlessness, aggressive behavior, shallow breathing, weakness, or loss of consciousness.

Dosage recommendations based on creatinine clearance levels are as follows:

Normal (> 80 mL/min/1.73m): Every 12 hours

Mild (50 80 mL/min/1.73m): Every 12 hours

Moderate (30 50 mL/min/1.73m): Every 12 hours

Severe (< 30 mL/min/1.73m): Every 12 hours

For individuals with epilepsy, it is typically necessary to continue taking levetiracetam for an extended period, even after achieving symptom control. Abruptly discontinuing levetiracetam can provoke seizures. Tapering off the medication should be done gradually and may take several months.

Levetiracetam may take several weeks to become effective, and it is possible to experience seizures during this adjustment period. People with epilepsy are eligible for free prescriptions, including medications other than those specifically for epilepsy. A medical exemption certificate is required to claim free prescriptions.

Treatment usually begins with a daily dose of 1000 mg, divided into two doses of 500 mg each. Additional dosage increases may be administered at intervals of two weeks, not exceeding a maximum recommended daily dose of 3000 mg. There is no evidence that doses exceeding 3000 mg/day offer additional benefits.

The immediate release tablet became available as a generic in the United States in 2008 and in the UK in 2011. The patent for the extended-release tablet is set to expire in 2028. The branded version, Keppra, is manufactured by UCB Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Briviact (brivaracetam) and Keppra (levetiracetam) are both anticonvulsant medications that target the synaptic vesicle protein 2A (SV2A) in the brain. Briviact, the newer agent, is noted for its greater selectivity and higher affinity for this receptor compared to Keppra.

In all patients, seizure frequency returned to baseline levels upon reinstating Keppra. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers generic medications therapeutically equivalent to their brand-name counterparts when they meet bioequivalence criteria.

Certain medications and substances should be avoided while taking levetiracetam, including antidepressants like SSRIs (e.g., escitalopram, fluoxetine), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (e.g., isocarboxazid, selegiline, or tranylcypromine), antiepileptics such as carbamazepine and phenytoin, and benzodiazepines like diazepam, oxazepam, and temazepam.

Anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs), including Keppra, have been associated with an increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior. Patients should be monitored for the emergence or worsening of depression, suicidal thoughts or behavior, and any unusual mood or behavioral changes.

Generic Name & Formulations for Keppra XR: Levetiracetam 500mg, 750mg; extended-release tablets.

While it’s not always crucial to stick to the same brand of levetiracetam, it’s advisable to consult your doctor. If your epilepsy has been challenging to manage in the past and your current brand of levetiracetam is effective, your doctor may recommend continuity with the same brand.

During the initial weeks of levetiracetam usage, you may experience side effects like drowsiness, dizziness, unusual tiredness, or weakness. These effects are more common in the first 4 weeks and tend to diminish as your body adapts to the medication. If these symptoms persist or worsen, seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist.

Both drugs are effective for their licensed indications. Your doctor will discuss which medication is the most suitable considering your health circumstances and condition which is being treated.

Possible side effects of Keppra may include fatigue, dizziness, somnolence, hypersensitivity reactions, hallucinations, and behavioral problems, including aggressive behavior, agitation, anger, anxiety, apathy, confusion, depersonalization, depression, emotional lability, hostility, dyskinesia, irritability, and nervousness. Additionally, increased blood pressure may occur.