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Introduction About BENLEVO 500MG TABLET

BENLEVO 500MG TABLET is used in the management of epilepsy (seizures). It contains a medicine called Levetiracetam which is an Anticonvulsant that works by modifying the release of certain brain chemicals that causes seizure breakouts.

BENLEVO 500MG TABLET is also used in combination with other antiepileptic medicines to manage partial onset seizures, myoclonic seizures, juvenile myoclonic epilepsy, primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures and idiopathic generalized epilepsy.

Before taking this medicine, inform your doctor if you have liver, kidney, or heart diseases. This medicine should be used with caution in pregnant women and not recommended for use in breast-feeding women.

The most common side effects of taking BENLEVO 500MG TABLET are inflammation of the nose and throat, sleepiness, dizziness, laziness, lack of hunger, depression, anxiety, vertigo, cough, and nausea.

Studies have shown that levetiracetam may cause some serious side effects like suicidal thoughts with severe depression. Patient’s caregivers must notice for any such side effects and inform doctor immediately.

Uses Of BENLEVO 500MG TABLET

Epilepsy (seizures)

How BENLEVO 500MG TABLET Works

Levetiracetam works by reducing abnormal electrical activity in the brain to help control seizures. It binds to a protein called synaptic vesicle protein 2A (SV2A), which is involved in the release of neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) between nerve cells. By modifying this process, levetiracetam helps stabilize brain activity and prevent seizures.

How to use BENLEVO 500MG TABLET

Take this medicine twice daily (as prescribed)
It can be taken with or without food
Swallow the medicine with a glass of water; do not crush or chew
Take the medicine at the same times each day for consistent blood levels
Follow doctor’s dosage instructions and any adjustments.
Do not stop abruptly without medical advice to avoid seizure risk.

Side Effects Of BENLEVO 500MG TABLET

Common side effects of BENLEVO 500MG TABLET:

inflammation of the nose and throat, respiratory problems, cough
somnolence, headache
depression, aggression, anxiety, insomnia, nervousness, irritability
balance disorder
dizziness, tiredness
tremor (involuntary trembling), forgetfulness,
vertigo (sensation of rotation or spinning)
abdominal pain, diarrhoea, indigestion, vomiting, nausea, loss of appetite
changes in body weight
tingling and numbness
hair loss

Stop taking this medicine and inform your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects:

signs of sudden decrease of kidney function (low urine volume, tiredness, nausea, vomiting, confusion, and swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet)
signs of serious mental changes that can be symptoms of encephalopathy (confusion, sleepiness, loss of memory, forgetfulness, abnormal behaviour, involuntary or uncontrolled movements)
abnormal thoughts, feeling irritable, or reacting more aggressively
aggravation (worsening) of epilepsy

Warning & Precautions

Pregnancy

Monitoring required

BENLEVO 500MG TABLET should be used with caution in pregnant women only if considered clearly necessary by the doctor.

Breastfeeding

Contraindicated

It is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women due to increased risk of side effects.

Driving and Using Machines

Use with Caution

Do not drive or operate any machines if you feel sleepy after taking this medicine.

Alcohol

Consult your doctor

Avoid the consumption of alcohol while taking this medicine.

Kidney

Use with Caution

BENLEVO 500MG TABLET should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease.

Allergy

Contraindicated

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to levetiracetam or to any other ingredients of this medicine.

Heart Disease

Use with Caution

It should be used with caution in patients with heart diseases such as family or medical history of irregular heart rhythm (visible on an electrocardiogram) or if you are prone to heartbeat irregularities.

Use In Pediatrics

Consult your doctor

It is not recommended for use in children and adolescents under 16 years of age if used alone. However, it can be used in children and adolescents in combination with other medicines. Your doctor will prescribe the right dose depending on your child’s age, body weight, and disease condition.

Use In Geriatrics

Use with Caution

BENLEVO 500MG TABLET should be used with caution in elderly patients. Follow the dosing instructions mentioned by your doctor.

Others

Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor if you:

have salt imbalance

Interactions

A. Drug-Drug Interactions:

Inform your physician if you are taking any of the following medicines before taking BENLEVO 500MG TABLET:

laxative such as macrogol (used to manage constipation)

Overdosage:

If you or anyone else accidentally took an extra dose of this medicine, consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital. Symptoms of overdosage are sleepiness, aggression, agitation, inhibition of breathing, and decrease of alertness.

Synopsis

Drug	:	Levetiracetam
Pharmacological Category	:	Anticonvulsants
Therapeutic Indication	:	Epilepsy
Dosage Forms	:	Tablet, Injection, Infusion, Syrup, Suspension, Oral Suspension, Solution

More Information

To know more about this medicine:

FAQs About BENLEVO 500MG TABLET

Q: What is BENLEVO 500MG TABLET used for?

A: BENLEVO 500MG TABLET is used to manage epilepsy (seizures).

Q: How long can you take BENLEVO 500MG TABLET?

A: BENLEVO 500MG TABLET can be taken as advised by your doctor. The dose and duration depend on the type of epilepsy and its severity. It should not be stopped until your doctor advises.

Q: What is the half-life of BENLEVO 500MG TABLET?

A: The half-life of BENLEVO 500MG TABLET depends on various factors such as age, kidney function, and overall health. However, in healthy adults, the typical half-life of levetiracetam is about 6 to 8 hours.

Q: What is the difference between BENLEVO 500MG TABLET and levetiracetam?

A: Levetiracetam is the generic name of the drug which is the active ingredient used to manage epilepsy (seizures).

[GBNKEWORD] is a brand name version of levetiracetam. In this case, Levipil 500 contains 500 mg of levetiracetam.

Q: Is BENLEVO 500MG TABLET a high-risk medicine?

A: BENLEVO 500MG TABLET is not generally considered a high-risk medicine in most cases. But like any medication it carries certain risks especially if not used properly or monitored.

Q: Does BENLEVO 500MG TABLET cause sleep?

A: Yes. BENLEVO 500MG TABLET can cause drowsiness or sleepiness.

Q: Does memory come back after a seizure?

A: Yes. Memory recovery after a seizure can vary widely from person to person and depends on several factors such as type of seizure, its severity, and the specific brain regions involved.

Q: What is the best time of day to take levetiracetam?

A: Always take Levetiracetam as advised by your doctor. Consult your doctor for advice before taking this medicine.

Q: What are the major side effects of levetiracetam?

A: The major side effects of taking levetiracetam are inflammation of the nose and throat, sleepiness, dizziness, lethargy, anorexia, depression, anxiety, vertigo, cough, and nausea. Contact your doctor if you experience these above side effects or worsen.

Q: Does levetiracetam stop seizures completely?

A: Yes. It can be stopping seizures completely.

Q: Is levetiracetam a good medication?

A: Yes. Levetiracetam is a good choice of medication for epilepsy (seizures).

Q: What is the age limit for levetiracetam?

A: Levetiracetam can be used for both adults and children. But the age limit for its use depends on the type of seizures.

References

1. K.D. Tripathi. Antiepileptic Drugs. Essentials of Medical Pharmacology. Seventh Edition. 2013. Page – 420.

2. Bassel Abou-Khalil. Levetiracetam in the treatment of epilepsy. NIH National Library of Medicine, National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubMed Central. June 2008. [Accessed on 20th Sept 2024] click here

3. Zentiva Pharma UK Limited. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in June 2023] [Accessed on 20th Sept 2024] click here

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Author Details

Written By Srilekha. R - B.Pharm

Reviewed For Accuracy By Dr. Salem Gill - MBBS

Last updated on 21 Nov 2024 | 12:45 PM(IST)