Keppra
(levetiracetam)
●●●●●
4.5/ 5 average rating with 21 reviewsforKeppra
Skip to: drug prices sectionSkip to: what to expect sectionSkip to: side effects sectionSkip to: risks and warnings sectionSkip to: common concerns from users and pharmacists
Prevents seizures.
Skip Upsides & Downsides section. Skip to side effects section.
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Our bottom line
Keppra (levetiracetam) is effective for preventing seizures in people with epilepsy and has fewer drug interactions than its alternatives.
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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21Downsides
- 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
Download Fact SheetHow 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)
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Extended release
- Liquid
- Oral disintegrating tablet
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.Prices and coupons for 60 (500mg) tablets of levetiracetam near
- CostcoGet free coupon$14.39
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See more prices and coupons in your areaWhat to expect when you take Keppra (levetiracetam) for Seizures
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Weakness
- Common cold
- Mood swings
- Infection
Side effect rates for Keppra (levetiracetam)
From 120 clinical trials of Keppra when taken for myoclonic seizures (taken together with other anti-seizure medicines)
- Drowsiness12%12%2%2%
- Neck pain8%8%2%2%
- Inflammation of the back of throat7%7%
- Feeling off balance5%5%3%3%
- Flu symptoms5%5%2%2%
- Depression5%5%2%2%
- Anxiety3%3%
- Depressed mood2%2%
- Depression2%2%
- Double vision2%2%
- Excessive sleepiness2%2%
- Difficulty sleeping2%2%
- Irritability2%2%
- Nervousness2%2%
- Drowsiness2%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)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.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
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)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?Alcohol
- Not worth itBig hassleReviewed Keppraon 3/19/2019I was a recovering alcoholic. Keppra was too strong for me. I was found wondering the streets. Concussed disoriented.44WomanA couple weeksStatus 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 itBig hassleReviewed 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.51WomanGeneralized seizure
- Not worth itBig hassleReviewed 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.24ManTwo years or moreWould rather not say
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.