About levetiracetam
Antiseizure medication
Used for
- Treatment of partial-onset seizures
- Treatment of myoclonic seizures
- Treatment of primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures
Usual adult dose
Usually 500 mg twice daily; dose may increase gradually to 1,500 mg twice daily.
Usual dose in children
For children aged 1 month and older, dosing depends on age and weight; typically twice daily, starting at 7–10 mg/kg per dose.
Common side effects
- Sleepiness or dizziness
- Weakness or fatigue
- Irritability or mood changes
- Coordination problems
Important warnings
- Do not stop suddenly; seizures may worsen.
- Mood changes, depression, or suicidal thoughts can occur.
- Dose adjustment may be needed with kidney problems.
- Intravenous treatment is given by healthcare professionals.
Pregnancy
May be used when needed, but seizure control and risks require specialist review. Pregnancy can lower medicine levels.
Breastfeeding
Passes into breast milk. It may cause infant sleepiness or poor feeding; monitor the infant with medical guidance.
Interactions
- Few major interactions are known.
- 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 It may be incomplete or out of date.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.