levetiracetam

Levetiracetam is a prescribed medication used in the management of epilepsy. Epilepsy involves brief bursts of abnormal electrical activity in the brain, temporarily affecting its function. Levetiracetam acts by slowing down these abnormal electrical signals to prevent seizures.

The precise mechanism of action of levetiracetam remains uncertain, but it is known to bind to a protein known as synaptic vesicle protein 2A, which plays a role in the release of neurotransmitters from nerve cells. This action helps Keppra stabilize electrical activity in the brain, reducing the likelihood of seizures.

Furthermore, some antiseizure medications have been effectively used to address mood disorders, and there is some research suggesting that levetiracetam may be effective in treating anxiety disorders.

Gabapentin (Neurontin) is a medication approved for the treatment of specific seizures and nerve pain. Typically administered orally three times daily, it is available in pill and liquid forms. Common side effects include dizziness and drowsiness. Levetiracetam is indicated for different types of seizures.

Levetiracetam has been associated with varying degrees of psychiatric adverse effects, including behavioral disturbances like agitation, hostility, and psychosis, as well as mood symptoms and suicidal tendencies.

Symptoms of seizures may also include sensory experiences like smells, sounds, tastes, as well as blurred vision or racing thoughts. Some individuals with seizures experience a prodrome or aura before an episode, although not everyone does.

Levetiracetam has been identified as potentially nephrotoxic in certain patients with Granulomatous interstitial nephritis (GIN), which can lead to acute renal failure requiring hemodialysis. Complete recovery can often be achieved by discontinuing the medication.

There is preliminary evidence regarding the effectiveness of levetiracetam in the treatment of various psychiatric disorders, including anxiety, panic, stress, mood disorders, bipolar disorder, autism, and Tourette’s syndrome.

Levetiracetam, sold under the trade name Keppra, is an anticonvulsant medication used primarily for managing seizures. Preliminary evidence also suggests its potential use in psychiatric conditions such as anxiety and mood disorders.

In clinical studies, levetiracetam (Keppra) has been shown to raise blood pressure in children under 4 years old, but this effect does not seem to occur in older children or adults.

If you have epilepsy, it is likely that you will need to continue taking levetiracetam for an extended period once your condition is under control. Abruptly discontinuing levetiracetam can lead to the recurrence of seizures. The process of discontinuing levetiracetam should be gradual and may take several months.

Discontinuation of Keppra may lead to an increase in seizure frequency. It is advisable to taper off Keppra slowly upon discontinuation.

Exercise caution when engaging in potentially dangerous activities, especially when initiating this medication or using a higher dosage, until you are aware of any potential side effects. Long-term side effects of levetiracetam have not been reported.

If you are using levetiracetam for epilepsy, abruptly stopping it can trigger seizures. Therefore, the process of discontinuing levetiracetam should be gradual and may take several months.

Antiepileptic 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.

A single case of acute liver failure linked to levetiracetam has been reported. The liver injury recurred rapidly upon reexposure to the drug. Chronic liver injury due to levetiracetam therapy has not been documented, and there is no evidence of cross-sensitivity to hepatic injury between levetiracetam and other anticonvulsants.

For adults and children aged 16 and older, the initial dosage of levetiracetam is 500 milligrams taken twice daily, with adjustments made as necessary. Typically, the daily dose does not exceed 3,000 milligrams. For children aged 6 to 15, the dose is determined by body weight and prescribed by the doctor.

In cases where seizures have subsided, it may be possible to discontinue seizure medication under the guidance of a physician if you have been seizure-free for a period ranging from 2 to 5 years. There are various factors to consider before gradually discontinuing your seizure medication.

Limited research suggests that children should remain seizure-free for two years and adults for two to five years before considering discontinuing medication.

Possible side effects of levetiracetam include a blocked nose or itchy throat, drowsiness, dizziness, headaches, aggression, nausea, or vomiting.

Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) associated with weight loss include felbamate, topiramate, and zonisamide. AEDs linked to weight gain include gabapentin, pregabalin, valproic acid, and possibly carbamazepine. Lamotrigine, levetiracetam, and phenytoin are considered weight-neutral AEDs.

Drowsiness, dizziness, unusual tiredness, or weakness may occur with levetiracetam. These side effects are more common during the initial four weeks of treatment and typically diminish as the body adapts to the medication. If any of these effects persist or worsen, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Levetiracetam functions differently from most seizure medications. It binds to a protein known as SV2A, which is involved in the release of neurotransmitters in the brain. The exact mechanism by which these actions reduce seizures is not fully understood.

Cognitive impairment and gait difficulties can be rare side effects of levetiracetam, which typically resolve upon discontinuation of the medication. Improvement is usually rapid and may last for days to weeks until the symptoms subside.

It may take a few weeks for levetiracetam to reach its full effectiveness because the dosage needs to be gradually increased. Seizures may still occur during this adjustment period.

Levetiracetam has frequently been associated with an increased incidence of upper respiratory tract infections (URTI). Fulminant infections resulting from levetiracetam-associated pancytopenia may be only the tip of the iceberg, with milder cases often presenting as URTI. URTI may serve as an early sign of pancytopenia.

While using levetiracetam, it is advisable to avoid or limit alcohol consumption. Do not exceed the recommended levetiracetam dosage, and exercise caution when engaging in activities that require mental alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until you understand how the medication affects you.

Levetiracetam may occasionally lead to changes in mood or behavior, causing feelings of anger, agitation, or depression.

There may be interactions between caffeine and the effects of levetiracetam and sumatriptan. This should be taken into account in clinical settings, and the combination’s effectiveness and adverse effects should be studied in patients with trigeminal pain.

Kidney dysfunction may necessitate therapeutic monitoring and potential dosage adjustments. Given the absence of significant drug interactions and favorable pharmacokinetics, therapeutic drug monitoring of levetiracetam is primarily used to ensure compliance and manage physiological changes such as puberty, pregnancy, and aging.

Levetiracetam is prescribed as a monotherapy or in combination with other medications to help manage specific types of seizures (e.g., partial seizures, myoclonic seizures, or tonic-clonic seizures) in the treatment of epilepsy. It does not cure epilepsy and only controls seizures as long as it is taken regularly.

However, it’s worth noting that pseudoephedrine and dextromethorphan can lower the seizure threshold and are common ingredients in many cold medications. Guaifenesin appears to be less problematic. Some individuals may also be sensitive to antihistamines, so it is advisable to avoid diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and cetirizine (Zyrtec).

Levetiracetam is also known to inhibit potassium ion channels, which can potentially lead to cardiac arrhythmias and the prolongation of the QT interval on an electrocardiogram (ECG).

Most over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, vitamins, and antacids can generally be safely used alongside levetiracetam. However, it is advisable to consult your child’s doctor or pharmacist before combining it with other over-the-counter drugs.

Certain foods should be avoided or limited when using levetiracetam, such as high-sugar foods, caffeine-containing foods and beverages, and alcohol. Some individuals with refractory seizures may benefit from medically supervised diets like the ketogenic diet or modified Atkins diet.

Keppra should be taken twice daily, once in the morning and once in the evening, at approximately the same time each day for optimal effectiveness. Consistency in timing will enhance its efficacy and help you remember when to take the tablets or oral solution. Whether you take Keppra before or after meals does not matter.

While some people have heard that Keppra (levetiracetam) may lead to weight loss, it’s important to note that weight gain is a common issue associated with other anti-seizure medications like valproic acid, gabapentin, pregabalin, etc.

Adverse effects of levetiracetam have been reported to include somnolence, headaches, dizziness, depression, and anxiety. Additionally, levetiracetam has been linked to acute kidney injury (AKI) and renal profile disturbances, possibly related to its excretion and potential nephrotoxicity, particularly with high loading doses.