Levipil Tablet (Levetiracetam)

Introduction of Levipil (Levetiracetam)

Levetiracetam is an anti-epileptic drug, also known as an anticonvulsant. It is prescribed for the treatment of partial-onset seizures in adults and children who are at least 1 month old. Levetiracetam is also given to treat tonic-clonic seizures in adults and children above 6 years of age and myoclonic seizures in adults and children above 12 years of age. Levetiracetam is sold under various trade names, some of which are Keppra and Levipil (made by Sun Pharma). This medication may also be given as a Neurological disorder medication

Uses of Levipil (Levetiracetam)

Levetiracetam is used to treat certain types of seizures like partial onset seizures, tonic-clonic or myoclonic in people with epilepsy. Levetiracetam belongs to a class of medications called anticonvulsants. It works by decreasing abnormal excitation of the brain.

Important Information about Levetiracetam:

Avoid taking Levetiracetam anti-epileptic medication (Keppra, Levipil) if you are allergic to it. Do not discontinue the use of Levetiracetam without first consulting your doctor, even if you are alright as stopping this medication suddenly may result in increased seizures. You may be advised to gradually decrease the amount of Levetiracetam medication before you stop taking it completely.
While taking Levetiracetam, you may get suicidal thoughts. You may require to be monitored periodically. Do not hesitate to go to your doctor for follow-up checks as scheduled. Let your doctor know of any new or deteriorating symptoms like extreme mood or behavior changes, depression, anxiety, aggressiveness or feeling agitated, hostile, irritable, or hyperactivity (mental and physical).
If possible, always wear or carry some kind of identity card or small display card that informs anyone that you are taking seizure medication. This can be helpful to any healthcare provider who treats you. Levetiracetam may impact your thinking capability and reflexes which can make activities like driving difficult and intimidating. Be extra careful while indulging in such activities or keep them to a minimum and do it when absolutely necessary while taking this medication.
Levetiracetam is an FDA pregnancy category C drug which means it is not known whether it can harm an unborn baby if taken while pregnant. Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant about the specific risks. Make note that a seizure during pregnancy can be detrimental for both mother and the baby. Hence, seizure control is absolutely important during pregnancy. The benefits of taking this medication may be far greater than its dangers during pregnancy. Always follow your doctor’s advice. Levetiracetam can pass into breast milk and harm a breastfeeding baby. Do not take this medication without proper medical advice if you are breastfeeding.

Side Effects of Levipil (Levetiracetam)

While taking Levetiracetam anti-epileptic medication, let your doctor know of any new or deteriorating symptoms like extreme mood or behavior changes, depression, anxiety, aggressiveness or feeling agitated, hostile, irritable, hyperactivity (mental and physical), or suicidal thoughts. These are some of the common symptoms associated with this medication. Other side effects are hallucinations, muscle weakness, dizziness, drowsiness, appetite loss, and stuffy nose. A serious allergic reaction to Levetiracetam is unlikely and rare occurrence but seek emergency medical attention if you get hives, rash, itching swelling in the face, nose, lips, tongue, or throat, or breathing difficulty. These are not the only side effects of Levetiracetam epilepsy medication. There may be others. Contact your doctor right away if you experience any serious side effects or if your condition worsens after taking Levetiracetam.

Precautions of Levipil (Levetiracetam)

Before taking Levetiracetam anti-epileptic medication (Keppra, Levipil), take care of all precautions mentioned above and discuss them with your doctor. If you have kidney disease or high blood pressure, inform your doctor in advance about it so that he or she can judge if it is safe for you to take Levetiracetam on top of those conditions.

How do I take Levetiracetam?

Take Levetiracetam (Keppra, Levipil) strictly according to your doctor’s direction or according to the instructions on the medication label. Do not alter the dosage unless your doctor advises you to do so. Also, do not take this medication after the prescribed period is over.
Levetiracetam is normally taken twice per day. You may take it with or without food. Avoid crushing, chewing, or breaking a controlled-release, delayed-release or extended-release tablet. Instead, swallow it whole otherwise it may lead to too much of the medication being released at once.
Seizures or epileptic attacks are treated usually with a medley of different drugs. Take them as directed by your doctor. Your kidney may be tested frequently to make sure that Levetiracetam is not causing any harmful effects. Always store Levetiracetam in a cool and dry place.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose of Levetiracetam (Keppra, Levipil), take it as soon as you remember. Don’t take the missed dose if the time to take the next dose is almost up. Taking multiple doses near to each other can lead to excess medication in your body which can be harmful.

What if I overdose?

In case of an overdose of Levetiracetam, get emergency medical attention or call the Doctor Immediately. Overdose may lead to extreme drowsiness, agitation, aggression, shortness of breath, weakness, or fainting.

Interaction of Levipil (Levetiracetam)

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Levetiracetam as it may increase the likelihood of side effects of this medication. Levetiracetam may impact your thinking capability and reflexes which can make activities like driving difficult and intimidating. Be extra careful while indulging in such activities or keep them to a minimum and do it when absolutely necessary while taking this medication.

Certain drugs can interact with Levetiracetam. Let your doctor know if you are using other drowsiness-causing drugs like antihistamine drugs like cetirizine, diphenhydramine, or others; drugs for insomnia or anxiety like alprazolam, diazepam, zolpidem, or others; muscle relaxants, or narcotic pain killers like codeine, methadone or others. The drugs mentioned here are not the only ones that can interact with Levetiracetam. There may be others as well. Share the list of all types of medications and related products which you are using with your doctor and never start a new medication without his or her advice.

FAQs:-

What does levetiracetam do to the cerebrum?

Levetiracetam works uniquely in contrast to most seizure drugs. It gets together with a protein (called SV2A) that is engaged with the arrival of specific synthetic substances called synapses in the mind. The specific way that these activities lead to diminished seizures isn't completely known.

What would it be a good idea for me to keep away from while taking levetiracetam?

Keep away from liquor. Hostility, nasal blockage, migraine, diminished hunger, contamination, wooziness, torment, sore throat, sadness, anxiety, and exhaustion are sensibly normal aftereffects.

Could levetiracetam be utilized for nervousness?

Levetiracetam has been displayed to forestall uneasiness during narcotic withdrawal, which is like liquor withdrawal, in a lab concentrated on utilizing mice. Levetiracetam additionally had hostile to nervousness impacts in research facilities concentrate on utilizing mice.