Levetiracetam Pronunciation, Side Effects, Benefits, Dosages and Warnings

In this article we discuss the uses of Levetiracetam and answer the questions what is Levetiracetam, what are the uses of Levetiracetam, what is Levetiracetam dosage, and what are the side effects of Levetiracetam. Learn more about this medicine used to treat epilepsy and seizures.

Levetiracetam Pronunciation

Levitracetam can be pronounced by sounding out the following syllables:

Leh vuh tr a suh tam

What is Levetiracetam?

Levetiracetam is a medicine used to treat multiple types of seizures in people with epilepsy, including myoclonic seizures and partial-onset seizures. Levetiracetam belongs to the class of drugs called Anticonvulsants.

What Are The Uses of Levetiracetam?

Levetiracetam is used to treat epilepsy and control partial-onset seizures in adults and children. It can be used to treat a variety of forms of epilepsy including focal epilepsy, generalized epilepsy, and partial-complex epilepsy. Levetiracetam is also used to treat tonic-clonic seizures in those ages 12 and older.

Levetiracetam Mechanism Of Action

Levetiracetam works by stabilizing electric activity between nerve cells in the brain. When nerve cells release abnormally repetitive and rapid signals, the brain becomes over-stimulated and normal brain activity is distrubed, often resulting in fits and seizures. Levetiracetam slows down this electrical activity, thus stabilizing the brain.

levetiracetam mechanism of action

Levetiracetam Dosage

Levetiracetam dosage can depend on a variety of factors including age, weight, efficacy, and tolerability. Levetiracetam is available in several different forms including tablet, liquid and granulated. It can be taken by mouth or by injection into a vein.

The recommended Levetiracetam dosage ranges from 250mg to 3000 mg depending on age and body weight. Levetiracetam can be taken in either one or two doses. Doses should be swallowed whole with liquid. Dosage may change depending on strength and brand of medicine. A child’s dosage of Levetiracetam may need to be adjusted if the child gains or loses weight.

How To Take Levetiracetam

Levetiracetam comes in the following forms:

- Liquid solution

- Immediate-release tablet

- Extended release tablet

The levetiracetam solution and tablets should be taken twice per day with water. Swallow the levetiracetam immediate-release and extended-release tablets whole; do not split, chew, or crush them. Take the whole levetiracetam tablets for suspension according to directions; do not split, chew, or crush them.

To take levetiracetam tablets used for suspension you should first peel the foil from the blister packaging. Do not try to push the tablets through the foil; this can cause them to break easily.

Be sure to take out the number of tablet(s) that your doctor has told you to take and place the tablet(s) on your tongue with a sip of liquid. Once the tablet completely dissolves on your tongue, swallow the mixture. The tablet(s) may take about 10 seconds to dissolve.

What Are The Side Effects of Levetiracetam?

Levetiracetam does have some potential side effects–some more common and serious than others.

Common Side Effects

Side effects of Levetiracetam are rare and usually mild. There are, however, certain side effects which may occur. The side effects of Levetiracetam include:

Dizziness
Irritability
Feelings of aggression
Loss of strength and energy
Loss of appetite
Stuffy nose
Mood and behavior changes
Sleepiness

Serious Side Effects

Serious side effects of Levetiracetam may include:

Loss of balance and coordination
Easy bruising
Unusual bleeding
Fever and chills
Confusion and hallucinations

Disclaimer: Here at Manifest Pharmacy, our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible side effects. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always discuss possible side effects with a healthcare professional who knows your medical history.

What Are The Warnings of Levetiracetam?

Levetiracetam may cause issues with coordination, changes in behavior and mood, and feelings of tiredness or weakness. Consult with your doctor before taking levetiracetam if you have or have ever experienced: