Levetiracetam

Levetiracetam

Levetiracetam, a powerful anticonvulsant drug, has made a significant impact on epilepsy treatment. This medicine, available as levetiracetam tablets, has become a go-to option for many people dealing with seizure disorders. Levetiracetam is known for its effectiveness in managing different types of seizures, making it a vital tool in the fight against epilepsy.

Let us explore how levetiracetam works and what to expect when taking it. In this article, we will break down the uses of levetiracetam, including the levetiracetam 500 mg tablets. We will also look at how to use levetiracetam tablets, possible side effects, and necessary precautions to remember. 

What is Levetiracetam?

Levetiracetam is a popular anticonvulsant medication used to treat epilepsy. It belongs to a class of drugs known as anticonvulsants and works by decreasing abnormal excitement in the brain. Levetiracetam is available as an oral suspension and tablets.

You can use levetiracetam alone or with other medications to control various types of seizures. Levetiracetam has a unique way of working compared to other anti-epileptic drugs. It binds to a specific protein in the brain, which is key to its effectiveness in reducing seizures.

Levetiracetam Tablet Uses

Tab levetiracetam is used for the treatment of different types of seizures, such as: 

• Alone or with other medications to control partial-onset seizures in people one month and older.
• For those 12 years and above with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy, levetiracetam is helpful as an add-on treatment for myoclonic seizures. 
• It is also effective in combination with other medicines for primary generalised tonic-clonic seizures in patients six years and older with idiopathic generalised epilepsy.

Levetiracetam tablets are sometimes used off-label for other purposes, such as: 

• Seizure prevention in cases of subarachnoid haemorrhage, traumatic brain injury, and after certain types of brain surgery 
• Some doctors also prescribe levetiracetam for seizure management in palliative care settings.

How to Use Levetiracetam Tablet

• Individuals should take levetiracetam tablets exactly as prescribed by their doctor. The usual dosage is twice daily, once in the morning and once at night, with or without food. 
• It is essential to take the medication at about the same time each day to maintain consistent levels in your body.
• When using levetiracetam tablets, swallow them whole with a sip of water. Do not split, chew, or crush the tablets. 
• If you are taking the tablet for suspension, place it on your tongue and let it dissolve before swallowing. You can also dissolve it in a small amount of liquid if preferred.
• Your doctor may start you on a low dose and gradually increase it over time. Do not change your dose without consulting your doctor first. 
• Keep taking levetiracetam tablets even if you feel well, as suddenly stopping can worsen seizures. If you need to stop, your doctor will likely decrease your dose gradually.
• If you take levetiracetam oral suspension, measure it correctly with a marking cup or medicine dropper.

Side Effects of Levetiracetam Tablets

Like all medicines, levetiracetam can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Common side effects of levetiracetam tab include: 

• Drowsiness, sleepiness, or dizziness 
• Headaches
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dehydration
• Some people may feel irritable or agitated
• Itchy throat and hoarseness
• Changes in vision
• Irregular heartbeat
• Stuffy or runny nose

In rare instances, serious side effects can develop, such as: 

• Worsening seizures
• Kidney problems
• Mental changes

Precautions

When taking levetiracetam, you need to be aware of several essential precautions, such as:

• Systemic History: Tell your doctor about any allergies and history of ongoing medications. Tell your doctor about if you have any systemic disease, especially kidney disease or mental health issues. 
• Drowsiness Precaution: Levetiracetam can make you feel drowsy or dizzy, so avoid driving a vehicle or using machinery until you know how it affects you. 
• Pregnancy and Lactation: It is mandatory to inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as the medication can pass into breast milk. 
• Monitoring: Regular check-ups are essential to monitor your progress and adjust the dose if needed, particularly in the first few months of treatment. 
• Medication Precaution: Do not stop taking levetiracetam suddenly without consulting your doctor, as this can cause seizures to return or worsen. Be alert for any changes in mood or behaviour, and report these to your doctor promptly.

How Levetiracetam Tablet Works

Levetiracetam tablets work in a unique way compared to other anti-epileptic drugs. The main action of levetiracetam is through its binding to a protein- synaptic vesicle protein 2A (SV2A) in the brain. This protein plays a role in releasing neurotransmitters, which are chemicals that aim to help nerve cells communicate.

When you take levetiracetam, it attaches to SV2A and changes how it works. This change seems to happen only when there is abnormal brain activity, like during a seizure. It does not affect normal brain function. Levetiracetam also has an impact on calcium channels in nerve cells, which may help control seizures.

The exact way levetiracetam stops seizures is not fully understood. But it is thought to prevent the excessive firing of nerve cells that leads to seizures without interfering with normal brain activity.

Can I take levetiracetam with other medicines?

Levetiracetam can interact with other medicines, such as: 

• Acetazolamide
• Acetophenazine
• Antidepressants like amitriptyline
• Anti-epileptic drugs
• Antihistamines
• Alcohol
• Cannabis
• Carbamazepine
• Edoxaban
• Methotrexate
• Orlistat

Dosing Information

The dosage of levetiracetam tablets varies and depends on the type of seizure and the patient's age. 

For adults and children 16 years and older with partial onset seizures, the usual starting dose is 500 mg twice a day. Your doctor may increase this by 500 mg every two weeks, up to a maximum of 3000 mg daily. 

The dose is based on body weight for children aged 4 to 15 years, starting at 10 mg per kg twice daily. The dosage can be adjusted up to 60 mg per kg per day. The dosage is lower for younger children and must be determined by a doctor. 

It is necessary to take levetiracetam precisely as prescribed and not to change your dose without consulting your doctor first.

Conclusion

Levetiracetam tablets have proven to be a game-changer in managing various types of seizures. They work in a unique way, targeting specific brain proteins to reduce abnormal brain activity without messing with normal functions. This medicine has shown its worth in treating different age groups, from young kids to adults, making it a versatile tool in the fight against epilepsy.

While levetiracetam can be helpful, it is necessary to use it exactly as your doctor says. Remember that it might cause some side effects, and it is always a good idea to chat with your doctor about any concerns. Remember, managing epilepsy is a team effort between you and your doctor, and levetiracetam could be a key player in helping you live a fuller life with fewer seizures.

FAQs

1. Can the use of levetiracetam cause sleepiness?

Yes, levetiracetam can cause sleepiness. It is one of the most common side effects, along with feeling drowsy or dizzy. These effects usually wear off as your body adjusts to the medication. If you are feeling very sleepy, talk to your doctor about changing your dose.

2. Is levetiracetam bad for the kidneys?

Generally, levetiracetam is not considered harmful to the kidneys. However, it is excreted through the kidneys, so if you have kidney problems, your doctor might need to adjust your dose. In rare cases, high doses of levetiracetam might cause kidney issues. Regular check-ups can help monitor your kidney function.

3. Will the use of levetiracetam impact my fertility?

Some studies suggest that levetiracetam might affect sperm parameters in men, potentially impacting fertility. However, it does not seem to alter sex hormone levels. If you are concerned about fertility, discuss this with your doctor. They can help you weigh the benefits of seizure control against potential risks.

4. What should I do if I have missed a dose of levetiracetam?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is close to your next scheduled dose. Take the missed dose for a once-daily dosing if it is more than 12 hours before your next dose. For twice-daily dosing, take it if it is more than 8 hours before your next dose. 

5. How long does levetiracetam take to show its effect?

Levetiracetam usually starts working quickly, but it may take a few weeks to see the full effect. The treatment starts with a low dose, and then the doctor gradually increases the dose to find the right balance between seizure control and side effects.

6. How long do I need to take levetiracetam?

If you are taking levetiracetam for epilepsy, you will likely need to continue taking it for many years, even after your seizures are under control. Never stop taking levetiracetam suddenly without consulting your doctor, as this can trigger seizures. If you need to stop, your doctor will guide you through a gradual reduction over several months.