Levetiracetam
Information about Levetiracetam
Levetiracetam uses
Levetiracetam is used in the treatment of epilepsy.
How levetiracetam works
Levetiracetam is an antiepileptic medication. It works in epilepsy by suppressing the abnormal and excessive activity of the nerve cells in the brain.
Common side effects of levetiracetam
Fatigue, Headache, Sleepiness, Dizziness, Nasopharyngitis (inflammation of the throat and nasal passages)
Available Medicine for Levetiracetam
Expert advice for Levetiracetam
- Your doctor has prescribed Levetiracetam to reduce the frequency of seizures.
- Levetiracetam should be taken at the same time every day to maintain consistent levels in your body.
- Do not stop using Levetiracetam without talking to your doctor, even if you feel better.
- It causes sleepiness or drowsiness. If this happens to you, do not drive or use machinery.
- Avoid consuming alcohol when taking the Levetiracetam, as it may cause excessive drowsiness and calmness.
- Inform your doctor if you have ever been diagnosed with kidney disease. The dose of your medicine may need to be adjusted.
- Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to conceive or breastfeeding.
Frequently asked questions for Levetiracetam
Levetiracetam
Q. What is Levetiracetam?
Levetiracetam belongs to a class of medication called antiepileptics (medicines used to treat seizures/epilepsy). It is mainly used for epilepsy form in which the seizure (fit) initially affect one side of the brain but can extend to larger areas on both sides of the brain. This can also be used as an add on drug in other types of seizures with other antiepileptic drugs.
Q. Does Levetiracetam contain paracetamol (acetaminophen)?
No, Levetiracetam does not contain paracetamol (acetaminophen).
Q. Is Levetiracetam an enzyme inducer?
No, Levetiracetam is not an enzyme inducer. Some studies do report that Levetiracetam has enzyme-inducing property to some extent. Please consult your doctor before taking Levetiracetam with other medicines as it may decrease the efficacy of other medicines taken along with.
Q. Can I take ibuprofen or paracetamol with Levetiracetam?
There are no known drug-drug interactions between Levetiracetam and paracetamol/ ibuprofen. But doctor's advice should be followed about taking both the medications together.
Q. Does Levetiracetam get you high?
No, Levetiracetam does not get you high.
Q. Does Levetiracetam cause hair loss?
Hair loss has been reported as a rare side effect of Levetiracetam. It is reversible if the medicine is stopped. Please consult your doctor if you experience hair fall while you are taking Levetiracetam.
Q. Can Levetiracetam cause anxiety?
Anxiety is a commonly reported side effect of Levetiracetam. Please consult your doctor if you experience anxiety which could be either new onset or there is worsening of anxiety while you are taking Levetiracetam.
Q. Can Levetiracetam cause weight gain?
Weight gain has been reported as a side effect with Levetiracetam but this is not a very common side effect. Please consult your doctor in case you experience weight gain while taking Levetiracetam.
Q. Does Levetiracetam cause memory loss?
Memory impairment has been reported as an uncommon side effect with Levetiracetam. Please consult your doctor if you experience this symptom while you are taking Levetiracetam
Q. Does Levetiracetam cause dizziness?
Dizziness is one of the most frequently reported side effects of Levetiracetam.
Q. Does Levetiracetam cause constipation?
Constipation has been reported by a few patients taking Levetiracetam but it is not a very common side effect.
Q. Can the use of Levetiracetam cause an increase in blood pressure?
High blood pressure has not been reported in patients taking Levetiracetam. However, please consult your doctor if experience this problem.
Q. Is Levetiracetam a psychotropic medication?
No, Levetiracetam is not a psychotropic medication. Levetiracetam belongs to a group of medicines used for the management of seizures or epilepsy.
Q. Is Levetiracetam a steroid?
No, Levetiracetam is not a steroid. Levetiracetam belongs to a group of medicines used for the management of seizures or epilepsy.
Q. Is Levetiracetam a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAO-I)?
No, Levetiracetam is not a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAO-I). Levetiracetam belongs to a group of medicines used for the management of seizures or epilepsy.
Q. Is Levetiracetam a benzodiazepine?
No, Levetiracetam is not a benzodiazepine. Levetiracetam belongs to a group of medicines used for the management of seizures or epilepsy.
Q. Can I take Levetiracetam with ibuprofen?
No, interaction has been reported between Levetiracetam and ibuprofen. However, this does not mean that the interactions do not occur. Please consult your doctor before taking the two medicines together.
Q. Can I take Levetiracetam with paracetamol?
Minor interaction can occur between Levetiracetam and paracetamol as Levetiracetam can induce the metabolism of paracetamol and there could be an increase in metabolites of paracetamol which are hepatotoxic (toxic to the liver). Please consult your physician before taking the two medicines together.