Levetiracetam
Buy Keppra Online
Keppra (levetiracetam) is a versatile antiepileptic medication effective in managing and treating various types of epilepsy and seizures. Available in tablets, oral solutions, and injectable forms, Keppra offers flexibility in administration and is suitable for adults and children. It modulates neurotransmitter activity to stabilize brain electrical activity, helping prevent seizures with a manageable side effect profile. Keppra simplifies epilepsy treatment with its ease of use and minimal monitoring requirements, making it a preferred choice for many.
Product Overview
Keppra, known generically as levetiracetam, is an advanced antiepileptic medication used primarily to manage and treat epilepsy and seizures. It offers a unique mode of action, thought to involve the binding to synaptic vesicle protein, influencing neurotransmitter release and helping stabilize neuronal activity. This mechanism helps prevent the excessive electrical activity in the brain that causes seizures. Keppra is versatile and available in various forms, including oral tablets (250 mg, 500 mg, 750 mg, 1000 mg), an oral solution (100 mg/mL), and an injectable solution (100 mg/mL), catering to different patient needs and ensuring compliance through ease of administration. The medication is suitable for both adults and children, starting typically with a dose of 500 mg twice daily for adults, with adjustments based on efficacy and tolerability. It’s known for its effectiveness in reducing the frequency of seizures across various types of epilepsy and has a relatively manageable side effect profile compared to other antiepileptics. Common side effects consist of drowsiness, dizziness, and coordination problems, but it does not require regular blood monitoring, making it less burdensome for long-term management. Keppra is an integral part of epilepsy treatment, offering significant benefits with its flexible dosing and minimal monitoring requirements.
Uses of Keppra
- Epilepsy
- Seizure control
Benefits of Keppra
- Effective in lowering the frequency of seizures in various types of epilepsy.
- It can be used in both adults and children, offering broad applicative use.
- Often well-tolerated with a manageable side effect profile compared to other antiepileptics.
- Available in multiple forms, including tablets, oral solutions, and injectables, providing flexibility in administration.
- Does not require regular blood monitoring, making it easier to manage for long-term treatment.
- Acts quickly, which is beneficial for the acute management of seizures.
Side Effects of Keppra
Common Keppra side effects may include:
- Drowsiness or fatigue
- Dizziness
- Coordination problems
- Nasal congestion
- Decreased appetite
- Behavioral changes, such as aggression or irritability
[Note: This list is not exhaustive; if you notice any other symptoms not mentioned above, consult your doctor immediately.]
Keppra Dosage
Forms & Strengths
Keppra is available in various forms and strengths, including:
- Oral tablets: 250 mg, 500 mg, 750 mg, 1000 mg
- Oral solution: 100 mg/mL
- Injectable solution: 100 mg/mL
Recommended Dosages
The recommended dosages of Keppra vary based on the condition being treated, age, and specific patient needs. Here are some general guidelines:
- Adults (Epilepsy): The initial dose is 500 mg twice daily, which can be raised based on efficacy and tolerability.
- Children (Epilepsy): Dosing is based on weight, usually starting at about 20 mg/kg per day, divided into two doses.
- Neonates and Infants: Doses are typically lower and adjusted based on clinical response and tolerability.
How to Take Keppra?
- Follow Prescriptions: Always take Keppra exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
- Consistency: Aim to take your doses simultaneously each day to maintain an even level of medication in your system.
- With or Without Food: Keppra can be taken with or without food. If you experience stomach upset, try taking it with food.
- Full Glass of Water: Swallow the tablets with a full glass.
- Do Not Alter Form: For the oral solution or tablets, do not chew, break, or crush them unless directed by your doctor.
- Regular Monitoring: Keep regular appointments with your healthcare provider to monitor and adjust your dosage if necessary.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of Keppra, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it’s almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose & continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses of Keppra simultaneously to make up for a missed dose. This helps maintain a consistent level of medication in your system and avoids potential overdosing.
[Note: Do not take two doses of Keppra simultaneously to compensate for a missed dose. This can elevate your risk of experiencing side effects.]
Overdose
An overdose of Keppra can lead to severe symptoms, which may include extreme drowsiness, aggression, agitation, shallow breathing, and loss of consciousness. In severe cases, it could result in respiratory failure or even coma. If an overdose is suspected, it’s crucial to seek early medical attention or call emergency services.
[Note: If you notice you have taken too much medication, call your local emergency number immediately.]
How Does Keppra Work?
Keppra affects the transmission of nerve signals in the brain. It is thought to work by binding to a specific site on neurons (SV2A), which is involved in the release of neurotransmitters. This interaction modulates the activity of neurotransmitters and prevents abnormal electrical activity in the brain, thus reducing the occurrence of seizures. This mechanism helps to stabilize the brain’s electrical activity without suppressing the normal function of the nervous system.
Important Safety Precautions
- Monitor mood and behavior: Watch for signs of mood changes, depression, or suicidal thoughts, especially when starting treatment.
- Avoid sudden discontinuation: Gradually taper off Keppra under medical supervision to prevent increased seizure frequency.
- Be cautious when operating machinery: Keppra may cause dizziness or drowsiness, affecting your ability to drive or operate machinery safely.
- Alert medical personnel: Inform your healthcare providers that you are taking Keppra, especially before any surgery or emergency treatment.
- Regular blood tests: Monitor your blood counts and liver function periodically as your doctor advises.
- Alcohol interaction: Avoid alcohol as it can spike the nervous system side effects of Keppra, such as dizziness and difficulty concentrating.
- Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Discuss potential risks with your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to conceive while taking Keppra.
Storage
- Store Keppra at room temperature, between 20°C to 25°C.
- Keep Keppra away from excessive heat and moisture.
- Do not store it in the bathroom.
- Keep the bottle tightly closed to protect this medication from moisture when not in use.
- Store this medication in its original container to protect it from light.
- Keep children & pets out of reach to prevent accidental ingestion.
Keppra Interactions
- Carbamazepine
- Lamotrigine
- Valproic Acid
- Topiramate
- Zonisamide
- Phenobarbital
- Gabapentin
- Pregabalin
- Lacosamide
- Oxcarbazepine
[Note: This list of interactions isn’t complete. Talk to your doctor if you notice any interaction with food, over-the-counter drugs, prescriptions or supplements.]
Keppra Alternatives
-
Other newer generation antiepileptic drugs:
- Lamictal (lamotrigine)
- Topamax (topiramate)
- Vimpat (lacosamide)
- Briviact (brivaracetam)
- Zonegran (zonisamide)
- Fycompa (perampanel)
-
Older generation antiepileptic drugs:
- Depakene/Depakote (valproic acid/divalproex sodium)
- Tegretol/Carbatrol (carbamazepine)
- Dilantin (phenytoin)
- Phenobarbital
- Mysoline (primidone)
-
Benzodiazepines (for acute seizures or as adjunctive therapy):
- Ativan (lorazepam)
- Klonopin (clonazepam)
- Diastat (diazepam rectal gel)
-
Newer medications:
- Epidiolex (cannabidiol) – for specific syndromes
- Xcopri (cenobamate)
-
Non-pharmacological approaches:
- Vagus nerve stimulation
- Responsive neurostimulation
- Ketogenic diet
- Surgery (in select cases)
[Note: Your healthcare provider will choose which Keppra alternative is best for you. Taking or consuming them by yourself may cause serious side effects.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Keppra lead to weight gain?
Keppra is not typically associated with weight gain or loss. However, if you’re taking other medications for seizures alongside Keppra and notice changes in weight, these could be related to the other drugs. If weight changes occur, discussing them with your healthcare provider is advisable.
Does Keppra make you sleepy?
Yes, Keppra can cause drowsiness. In clinical trials, around 15% of individuals taking the immediate-release form and 8% on the extended-release form experienced sleepiness as a side effect. It’s essential to avoid driving or performing tasks that require focus until you’re sure how Keppra affects you.
Can Keppra affect your personality or behavior?
Yes, Keppra may influence mood and behavior. Users have reported increased irritability, aggression, anxiety, or feelings of paranoia. Some have also experienced depression or a withdrawn demeanor. These psychological effects are more common in children but can also occur in adults. Typically, these symptoms resolve after discontinuing the medication.
Is it safe to crush Keppra tablets?
No, you should not crush, chew, or break immediate-release or extended-release levetiracetam tablets. Altering the tablets’ form may impact the medication’s effectiveness, increase side effects, or interfere with its intended absorption rate. If you experience difficulty swallowing the tablets, consider discussing the possibility of switching to the liquid form of levetiracetam with your healthcare provider.
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