Keppra

(levetiracetam)

●●●●●
4.5/ 5 average rating with 21 reviewsforKeppra
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Prevents seizures.

Skip Upsides & Downsides section. Skip to side effects section.

Our bottom line

Keppra (levetiracetam) is effective for preventing seizures in people with epilepsy and has fewer drug interactions than its alternatives.

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Quick facts about Keppra
  • Drug class: Neurology
  • Rx status: Prescription only
  • Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (levetiracetam)

Upsides

  • Keppra (levetiracetam) is effective at lowering the frequency of various types of seizures.
  • Keppra (levetiracetam) is available in liquid form or dissolving tablets if you have trouble swallowing pills.
  • Compared to other seizure medications, Keppra (levetiracetam) has fewer side effects and drug interactions, and usually does not require monitoring blood levels.
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What to expect from Keppra, on one page

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People’s experience with Keppra

21reviews so far. What do you think?

Downsides

  • Must be taken on time so that there are consistent levels of the drug in your body.
  • Keppra (levetiracetam) may not be the best drug to take if you have a history of mood problems, such as depression or bipolar disorder.
  • If you have kidney problems, your dose will need to be adjusted and your doctor will check your kidney function regularly.
  • Due to its effects on your balance, Keppra (levetiracetam) may not be appropriate for the elderly.
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What to expect from Keppra, on one page

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How it works

Keppra (levetiracetam) is an antiepileptic medication. It prevents seizures by helping stabilize neurotransmitters in the brain.

Quick facts about Keppra
  • Drug class: Neurology
  • Rx status: Prescription only
  • Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (levetiracetam)

Used for

Dosage forms

  • Pill
  • Extended release
  • Liquid
  • Oral disintegrating tablet
People’s experience with Keppra

21reviews so far. What do you think?

Prices and coupons

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What to expect when you take Keppra (levetiracetam) for Seizures

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  • First few hoursHours
    First few daysDays
    First few weeksWeeks
    First few monthsMonths
  • Effectiveness
  • Starts to kick in
    Full effects
  • First few hoursHours
    First few daysDays
    First few weeksWeeks
    First few monthsMonths
  • Possible side effects
  • Drowsiness
  • Headache
  • Weakness
  • Common cold
  • Mood swings
  • Infection
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Side effect rates for Keppra (levetiracetam)

From 120 clinical trials of Keppra when taken for myoclonic seizures (taken together with other anti-seizure medicines)
  • Drowsiness
    12%12%
    2%2%
  • Neck pain
    8%8%
    2%2%
  • Inflammation of the back of throat
    7%7%
  • Feeling off balance
    5%5%
    3%3%
  • Flu symptoms
    5%5%
    2%2%
  • Depression
    5%5%
    2%2%
  • Anxiety
    3%3%
  • Depressed mood
    2%2%
  • Depression
    2%2%
  • Double vision
    2%2%
  • Excessive sleepiness
    2%2%
  • Difficulty sleeping
    2%2%
  • Irritability
    2%2%
  • Nervousness
    2%2%
  • Drowsiness
    2%2%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
Where we got our data »

The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Keppra.

Keppra (levetiracetam)
Placebo

People taking Keppra felt side effect more

People taking Keppra felt side effect less

No difference

Risks and Warnings for Keppra (levetiracetam)

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  • Keppra (levetiracetam) has been linked to severe, life-threatening skin reactions, including toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) and Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS). If you notice a rash or any other skin changes while taking Keppra (levetiracetam), let your doctor know immediately. This could happen as early as 2 weeks after starting Keppra (levetiracetam), but can also happen even after 4 months.

Pharmacist Q&A

Keppra (levetiracetam) questions for

Frequently Asked Questions

This medication treats myoclonic seizures in adults and adolescents 12 years of age and older with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy.

Who is this drug for?

This medication treats myoclonic seizures in adults and adolescents 12 years of age and older with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy.

Common concerns from people taking Keppra (levetiracetam)

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Price
  • Not worth it
    Didn’t work
    Low hassle
    Reviewed Keppraon 4/25/2020Its a horrible drug, it messes up my blood count and my seizures are more stronger
    57
    Woman
    Two years or more
    Grand mal seizure
Alcohol
  • Not worth it
    Worked so-so
    Big hassle
    Reviewed Keppraon 3/19/2019I was a recovering alcoholic. Keppra was too strong for me. I was found wondering the streets. Concussed disoriented.
    44
    Woman
    A couple weeks
    Status epilepticus
Kidneys and liver
  • If you have kidney problems, your dose will need to be adjusted and your doctor will check your kidney function regularly.
Pain
  • Not worth it
    Didn’t work
    Big hassle
    Reviewed Keppraon 2/4/2017Severe muscle and skeletal pains that went away within a week of stopping medication. Also suicidal thoughts. That is unusual for me.
    51
    Woman
    Generalized seizure
  • Not worth it
    Worked so-so
    Big hassle
    Reviewed Keppraon 8/23/2017It was a huge pain to get at the health clinic when I have dont have a primary doctor because I'm poor. & It cost me almost $60s I don't have to not even stop my seizures. Very unsatisfied. My name is Zachary wyzinski.
    24
    Man
    Two years or more
    Would rather not say
  • Worth it
    Worked well
    Low hassle
    Reviewed levetiracetamon 8/5/2020I only wish this medicine was also effective at treating nerve pain. I'm disappointed to learn that the most helpful anti-seizure drugs (in regards to TLE) are also the least effective at relieving nerve pain. It's helped a lot though, my siezures got severe suddenly and the keppra quickly brought them under control. I do still occasionally have mild partial siezures but have not lost consciousness in the 3 years I've been taking it
    30
    Woman
    Two years or more
    Partial seizures
Sleep
  • Keppra (levetiracetam) can affect your coordination and make you feel sleepy or dizzy. Avoid activities that require you to be alert, such as driving a car or operating machinery, until you know how Keppra (levetiracetam) affects you.
  • Keppra (levetiracetam) can cause drowsiness and dizziness. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how it affects you.