Levetiracetam

Seizures and epilepsy

Also known as Keppra

Levetiracetam steadies overactive electrical signals in your brain to prevent seizures. Doctors reach for it often because it starts working quickly and plays well with most other medicines. One honest thing to know: it can change your mood — irritability, anger, or feeling down happen more with this medicine than with most, so ask family to speak up if they notice you seem different.

How to take it

When

Usually twice a day, about 12 hours apart, at the same times each day.

Food

With or without food — your choice.

Avoid

Alcohol — it stacks with the drowsiness. Don't drive until you know how this affects you; seizure driving laws also apply.

Stopping

Never stop suddenly — that can trigger seizures, including dangerous nonstop ones. Any change goes through your doctor.

Missed a dose?

Take it as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for your next dose — then just skip the missed one. Missed doses can trigger seizures, so ask your doctor ahead of time what to do if it happens. Never take a double dose to catch up.

Common side effects

Sleepiness or feeling weak
Dizziness
Irritability or mood changes
Headache
Stuffy nose

Call a doctor if

A seizure that won't stop, or seizures coming back to back — call emergency services now
Thoughts of harming yourself, or new or worsening depression — get help now; all seizure medicines carry this risk
Sudden anger, aggression, or personality changes that worry you or your family — call your doctor right away
A spreading rash, blistering, or rash with fever — get help now

Educational only. This summary is drawn from public FDA labeling and MedlinePlus and simplified for readability. Your prescription label and your pharmacist always come first — doses and instructions vary from person to person.