About levetiracetam
Antiseizure medicine
Used for
- Treats partial-onset seizures, alone or with other medicines
- Treats myoclonic seizures in juvenile myoclonic epilepsy
- Treats generalized tonic-clonic seizures
Usual adult dose
Usually 500 mg twice daily initially; may increase gradually, up to 1,500 mg twice daily.
Usual dose in children
Dosing depends on age, weight, and seizure type; commonly starts at 10 mg/kg twice daily, adjusted gradually.
Common side effects
- Sleepiness and dizziness
- Weakness or fatigue
- Irritability, mood changes, or aggression
- Increased infection risk
Important warnings
- May cause suicidal thoughts or serious mood changes.
- Do not stop suddenly; seizures may worsen.
- Dose adjustment may be needed with kidney problems.
- Rarely causes severe allergic reactions or serious skin reactions.
Pregnancy
Can be used during pregnancy when needed, but seizure control and treatment risks require clinician review. Pregnancy registry data are available.
Breastfeeding
Passes into breast milk. It may cause sleepiness or poor feeding; discuss use with a healthcare professional.
Interactions
- Few major interactions; some medicines may affect levetiracetam levels.
- Alcohol may worsen sleepiness or dizziness.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.