INTRODUCTION

LEVESAM 250MG contains Levetiracetam which is an anti-epileptic medicine used to treat seizures (fits). It is used in combination with other medications to treat certain types of seizures in adults and children with epilepsy. It decreases abnormal excitement in the brain. This medicine is used for the form of epilepsy where the fits initially affect only one side of the brain but could thereafter extend to larger areas on both sides of the brain. It is prescribed by your doctor to reduce the number of fits.

Epilepsy is a common chronic 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 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 appetite 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 LEVESAM 250MG without your doctor's advice.

USES OF LEVESAM 250MG

• Treat seizures in epilepsy

HOW LEVESAM 250MG WORKS

LEVESAM 250MG attaches to specific sites (SV2A) on the surfaces of nerve cells and affects the transmission of nerve signals in the brain by suppressing the abnormal activity of the nerve cells thus preventing the spread of electrical signals that cause seizures.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

Take this medicine according to the dose and frequency as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break the medicine. It may be taken with or without food.

SIDE EFFECTS OF LEVESAM 250MG

HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS

Headache:

Rest and drink plenty of fluids. Ask your doctor to recommend a painkiller.

Dizziness:

Get up and move around to feel awake, take small naps to edge off the sleepiness. Give your eyes a break to avoid fatigue and eat a healthy food to boost energy.

WARNING & PRECAUTIONS

INTERACTIONS

Inform your doctor if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription or the following:

• cetirizine, oxylamine, diphenhydramine and hydroxyzine (used to relieve allergy)
• alprazolam, diazepam (used to treat anxiety)
• muscle relaxants
• codeinenarcotic (pain relievers)

SYNOPSIS

MORE INFORMATION

Store at room temperature below 25°C and keep out of reach of children.

FAQs ABOUT LEVESAM 250MG

What is LEVESAM 250MG used for?

It is used to treat seizures (fits). It can be used alone or along with other medicines to prevent seizures.

Can the use of LEVESAM 250MG cause sleepiness?

Yes, it can make you feel sleepy. In such case avoid driving, operating machinery, working at heights, or participating in potentially dangerous activities.

How long does it take to work?

It usually takes a few weeks to work properly. Dose needs to be increased slowly.You may still have seizures during this time.

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 Oct 6, 2020] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2526377/

6. Keppra, U.S. Food & Drug Administration; [Revised April 2009] [Accessed Oct 6, 2020] https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2009/021035s078s080,021505s021s024lbl.pdf

7. Keppra, 2007; [Accessed Oct 6, 2020] https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/neurology_neurosurgery/centers_clinics/peripheral_nerve/patient_info/LEVETIRACETAM_2007.pdf