Sign inBefore taking levetiracetam
Before taking levetiracetam make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:
- If you are pregnant, trying for a baby, or breast-feeding.
- If you suffer from liver or kidney problems.
- If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
- If you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
How to take levetiracetam
- Take levetiracetam exactly as directed by your doctor.
- Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible before beginning treatment.
- Take the tablets with a small glass of water. They can be taken before or after meals.
- Measure the dose of the oral solution using the oral syringe and stir it into a small glass of water before swallowing.
- Try to get into the habit of taking levetiracetam at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses.
- If you forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember unless it is time to take the next dose. Never take two doses together.
- Do not stop taking levetiracetam without speaking to your doctor first. Your doctor will need to reduce the dose you are taking gradually.
- Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of levetiracetam contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Where possible take the container with you, even if it is empty.
- Levetiracetam is for you. Never give it to others, even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
Getting the most from your treatment
- While you are taking levetiracetam, there is a small risk that you may develop mood changes, distressing thoughts and feelings about suicide. If this happens, tell your doctor straight away.
- Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside levetiracetam.
Can levetiracetam cause problems
Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.
| Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine | What can I do if I experience this |
| Dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision | Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert |
| Loss of appetite, diarrhoea, indigestion, feeling or being sick | Eat little and often. Stick to simple foods such as dry toast and drink plenty of water to replace any lost fluids |
| Headache | Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain killer. If the headache continues speak with your doctor |
Other effects may include forgetfulness, unsteadiness, weakness, clumsiness, cough, mood changes, difficulty in sleeping, nervousness, muscle pain, double vision, skin itchiness or rash.
Important: if you experience unexplained bruising or bleeding contact your doctor straight away.
How to store levetiracetam
- Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
Important information about all medicines
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References
- British National Formulary; 54th Edition (September 2007) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London
- Summary of Product Characteristics; Keppra® (levetiracetam) 250,500,750 and 1000 mg film-coated Tablets, 100 mg/ml oral solution and 100 mg/ml concentrate for solution for infusion, UCB Pharma Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Text revised August 2007, accessed 22 October 2007