Keppra
Keppra (generic name: Levetiracetam) is an anticonvulsant used in the treatment of epilepsy.
Keppra is indicated in epileptic patients as add-on therapy in the treatment of primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures in adults and children 6 years of age and older with idiopathic generalized epilepsy, myoclonic seizures in patients 12 years of age and older with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy, and partial onset seizures in patients 4 years of age and older.
Keppra works by decreasing abnormal excitement in the brain.
Keppra is non-addictive. Keppra is generally well tolerated.
Keppra was shown to be beneficial even for patients who experienced repeated seizures after trying many different treatments (this is referred to as refractory epilepsy).
Keppra has no known clinically significant drug interactions; it has been shown to be safe when used with other antiepilepsy medicines and with everyday drugs such as birth control pills or warfarin.
Keppra is not broken down in the liver, unlike many other antiepilepsy medicines.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Recommendations
Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Kepra exactly as directed.
Most people take Keppra twice a day, once in the morning and once at night.
Keppra can be taken with or without food, but it should be taken at the same time each day. Tablets should be swallowed whole; be sure not to crush or chew your tablets.
Continue to take Keppra even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. Do not stop taking Keppra without talking to your doctor. Your doctor will probably decrease your dose gradually.
If you miss a dose of Keppra, do not double your next dose to make up for the missed dose. If it has only been a few hours since your missed dose, take Keppra as soon as you remember and then return to your regular schedule. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule.
Be careful when drinking alcohol while taking Keppra.
Keep your tablets at room temperature, away from light, heat and moisture.
Precautions
Before you start to take Keppra, tell your doctor or pharmacist if:
you have allergies to Keppra or any other medicines;
you have kidney or liver problems;
you have hereditary problems of fructose intolerance;
you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant, or you are breast-feeding.
Ingredients
Active ingredient: levetiracetam.