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INTRODUCTION
LEVACETAM contains Levetiracetam which is an anti-epileptic medicine used to treat seizures (fits). It is used on its own in adults and adolescents from 16 years of age to treat partial onset seizures with or without secondary generalization.
Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder that requires long-term antiepileptic drug therapy. Seizures can happen when the electrical signals and chemicals are not working properly in brain cells. This medicine works by attaching to with a protein (called SV2A) on the surface of nerve cells in the brain. This suppresses the transmission of nerve signals in the brain and prevents the spread of electrical signals causing seizures.
Before taking this medicine inform your doctor if you have kidney problems and psychotic disorders. The dose of levetiracetam used in children depends on their weight and age. It is usually started at a low dose and may be increased slowly to limit side effects. Some common side effects of this medicine may include dizziness, headache, irritability, loss of strength and energy, mood and behavior changes and sleepiness. If you experience any of these problems, contact your doctor for advice. Your doctor may change the amount or way the drug is taken which may help. Do not stop taking LEVACETAM without your doctor's advice.
USES OF LEVACETAM
- Treat seizures in epilepsy
HOW LEVACETAM WORKS
LEVACETAM works by attaching to a protein (called SV2A) on the surface of nerve cells in the brain. This suppresses the transmission of nerve signals in the brain and prevents the spread of electrical signals that cause seizures.
DIRECTIONS FOR USE
Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor has directed you. It must be taken twice a day, with or without food. Shake well before use.
SIDE EFFECTS OF LEVACETAM
COMMON
- blocked nose or itchy throat
- sleepiness
- headache
- anorexia (loss of appetite)
- depression, hostility or aggression, anxiety, insomnia (sleeplessness), nervousness or irritability
- balance disorder, dizziness, lethargy, tremor (involuntary trembling)
- vertigo (sensation of rotation)
- cough
- abdominal pain
- diarrhoea
- vomiting, nausea
RARE
- infection
- thinking abnormal (slow thinking, unable to concentrate)
- pancreatitis
- hepatitis
- skin rash with blisters, peeling of skin, particularly around the mouth, nose, eyes and genitals
HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS
Headache:
Rest and drink plenty of fluids.
Dizziness:
Get up and move around to feel awake, take small naps to edge off the sleepiness.
Diarrhoea:
Drink plenty of fluids and make sure to hydrate your body. Avoid greasy, fatty or fried foods. Don’t drink caffeinated and carbonated drinks.
WARNING & PRECAUTIONS
PREGNANCY
LEVACETAM is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless necessary. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
BREASTFEEDING
LEVACETAM is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless necessary. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
DRIVING AND USING MACHINES
LEVACETAM may cause sleepiness. Do not drive or handle any machines while taking this medicine.
ALCOHOL
Do not drink alcohol while taking this medicine as it may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or difficulty in concentration.
KIDNEY
LEVACETAM is not recommended in patients with active kidney diseases. Before taking, discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
LIVER
LEVACETAM should be used with caution in patients suffering from liver function impairment or active liver diseases. Consult your doctor for advice.
ALLERGY
Do not take if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to Levetiracetam or any of the other ingredients in this medicine.
HEART DISEASE
LEVACETAM is not recommended in patients with active heart diseases. Before taking, discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
INTERACTIONS
Tell your doctor if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription.
SYNOPSIS
| Drug | : | Levetiracetam |
| Pharmacological Category | : | Anticonvulsant |
| Therapeutic Indication | : | Epilepsy, Seizures |
| Dosage Forms | : | Tablet, Injection, oral solution, syrup and suspension |
MORE INFORMATION
Store at room temperature below 25°C and keep out of reach of children.
FAQs ABOUT LEVACETAM
Can LEVACETAM be used in pregnancy?
It should not be used during pregnancy unless clearly necessary. Consult with your doctor.
Will I get addicted to LEVACETAM?
No, it is not habit-forming. No physical or psychological dependence has been reported with this medicine.
REFERENCES
1. KD Tripathi MD. Drugs acting on central nervous system. Essentials of Medical Pharmacology 7th ed. New Delhi, May 2013. Page – 420.
2. McNamara JO. Pharmacotherapy of the Epilepsies. Goodman & Gilman’s: The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 12th ed. New York, New York: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2011. Page - 600.
3. Porters RJ, Meldrum BS. Anti-seizure Drugs. In: Katzung BG, Masters SB, Trevor AJ, editors. Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. 11th ed. New Delhi, India: Tata McGraw Hill Education Private Limited; 2009. Page - 411.
4. Briggs GG, Freeman RK, editors. A Reference Guide to Fetal and Neonatal Risk: Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health; 2015. Page -789.
5. Bassel Abou-Khalil. Levetiracetam in the treatment of epilepsy: Neuropsychiatric disease and treatment. June 2008; [Accessed 06 Oct 2020] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2526377/
6. Accord Healthcare Limited, [Revised March 2019] [Accessed 06 Oct 2020] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.7152.pdf
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