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.
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.
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.
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.
LEVACETAM is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless necessary. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
LEVACETAM is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless necessary. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
LEVACETAM may cause sleepiness. Do not drive or handle any machines while taking this medicine.
Do not drink alcohol while taking this medicine as it may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or difficulty in concentration.
LEVACETAM is not recommended in patients with active kidney diseases. Before taking, discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
LEVACETAM should be used with caution in patients suffering from liver function impairment or active liver diseases. Consult your doctor for advice.
Do not take if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to Levetiracetam or any of the other ingredients in this medicine.
LEVACETAM is not recommended in patients with active heart diseases. Before taking, discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
Tell your doctor if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription.
Drug | : | Levetiracetam |
Pharmacological Category | : | Anticonvulsant |
Therapeutic Indication | : | Epilepsy, Seizures |
Dosage Forms | : | Tablet, Injection, oral solution, syrup and suspension |
Store at room temperature below 25°C and keep out of reach of children.
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.
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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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