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Keppra™
Generic Name: Levetiracetam
Please Note: Tablets may not be actual size.
 250 mg tablet |
 500 mg tablet |
 750 mg tablet |
©2007 UCB Pharma, Inc. All rights reserved. Used with Permission.
Keppra (KEPP-ra) was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1999 as an add-on therapy for partial seizures in adults.
It is available as tablets and an oral solution.
Side effects include sleepiness, unsteadiness, infection, behavior disturbance and dizziness. Side effects are most likely during the first four weeks of treatment. Keppra has not been reported to interact with other antiepileptic drugs, warfarin, or oral contraceptives. There are case reports of carbamazepine toxicity reported when Keppra was added, but this was not due to a direct drug interaction.
It reaches a steady state (that is, an effective treatment level in the blood) approximately two days after it is begun. Keppra is eliminated through the kidneys and dosage adjustments may be needed in patients with kidney disease or on dialysis. The drug should not be discontinued abruptly due to the risk of increased seizures, unless warranted by severe side effects.
Safety in pregnancy has not been established. Women who are taking this medication and who wish to become pregnant should discuss treatment options with their physicians before the pregnancy begins.
Not everyone experiences side effects. There may be other side effects not appearing above. For a complete list, consult your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. More detailed sources of information on side effects include the drug's prescribing information sheet, the Physician's Desk Reference, or pharmaceutical company which produces the drug.
Link to Product Information: http://www.ucb-group.com/products/866.htm