Can Keppra cause mood or behavioral changes?

Yes, Keppra may cause mood alterations in some patients, including irritability, aggression, anxiety, or depression. These effects are more common in children and adolescents, but they can occur at any age. In rare cases, suicidal thoughts or behaviors have been reported. Anyone experiencing significant mood changes should seek medical attention immediately. These side effects may diminish over time, but if they worsen or impact quality of life, the prescribing physician may adjust the dosage or consider an alternative medication. Monitoring for behavioral changes is important, especially in the first weeks of treatment.

What is levetiracetam and how does it work?

Levetiracetam is an anticonvulsant medication used to manage seizures in epilepsy. It works by interacting with synaptic vesicle protein SV2A, a protein involved in the release of neurotransmitters. While its exact mechanism is not fully understood, this action helps regulate abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Levetiracetam is not chemically related to other antiepileptic drugs, making it a useful option when patients do not tolerate or respond to other medications. It is used in both monotherapy and adjunctive therapy settings and is considered effective and generally well-tolerated across multiple age groups.

Is levetiracetam safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Any pregnant or breastfeeding individual should consult a doctor before starting or continuing levetiracetam. Maintaining seizure control during pregnancy is critical, so treatment decisions must be carefully balanced. Levetiracetam may be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk. While it is less likely than some older antiepileptic drugs to cause birth defects, data in humans is still limited.

What types of seizures does Keppra treat?

Keppra is effective against several seizure types, including partial-onset seizures, juvenile myoclonic seizures, and generalized tonic-clonic seizures. These types of seizures are often associated with various forms of epilepsy, a neurological condition where abnormal brain activity causes episodes of convulsions, staring, or loss of awareness. Partial-onset seizures affect a localized area of the brain and may or may not impair consciousness. Myoclonic seizures involve quick, involuntary muscle jerks, and tonic-clonic seizures involve full-body convulsions. Keppra may be used alone or alongside other anti-seizure medications depending on the seizure type and patient profile.

Can Keppra be used to treat absence seizures?

No. Keppra is not typically used for absence seizures. Other medications, such as ethosuximide or valproate, are more commonly prescribed for absence seizures. Keppra is more suitable for focal and generalized tonic-clonic seizures, and myoclonic seizures seen in conditions like juvenile myoclonic epilepsy. Treatment must always be matched to the specific type of seizure and should be managed by a neurologist or epilepsy specialist.

How do anticonvulsants like Keppra differ from other epilepsy medications?

Anticonvulsants like Keppra differ from older drugs in several ways. Keppra does not rely on liver enzymes for metabolism, reducing the risk of interactions with other medications. Its mechanism of action is unique, targeting SV2A, which modulates neurotransmitter release. This contrasts with drugs like phenytoin or carbamazepine, which work by blocking sodium channels. Keppra is also generally better tolerated, with fewer cognitive or coordination-related side effects. These advantages make it a preferred choice for many patients, especially those with complex medication regimens or underlying health conditions.

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Home / Online Pharmacy / Keppra

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US Name:

Keppra
Alternative Names:

Keppra
Active Ingredients:

Levetiracetam
Brand Manufacturer:

UCB
Manufacturer Location:

Belgium
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Keppra ^*

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Keppra is an anticonvulsant medication prescribed to manage and control various types of epilepsy.

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Keppra Brand	1000mg 60 Tablets	- Keppra – Brand, Keppra, 1000mg, 60, Tablets, 63357, UCB, 307 + 0	Our price: $188.00
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Description
Side Effects
Indications
FAQ
Video

Keppra (generic name: levetiracetam) is an anticonvulsant medication prescribed to manage and control various types of epilepsy. It is commonly used either as a monotherapy in adults aged 16 and above or as an adjunctive treatment with other anti-epileptic drugs in adults and children from the age of 4 years.

Levetiracetam targets abnormal electrical activity in the brain that leads to seizures, making it effective against focal seizures, juvenile myoclonic epilepsy, and idiopathic generalized epilepsy. Keppra is part of the pyrrolidone derivative family, and although its exact mechanism of action is not fully understood, it is believed to modulate neurotransmitter release.

Keppra is available in 100 mg, 250 mg, 500 mg, and 1000 mg film-coated tablets. It is not intended for children under 4 years of age in tablet form; for younger children, an oral solution is recommended.

Dosage

Follow the prescribing doctor’s instructions as printed on the label. The dosing regimen depends on the patient’s age, weight, and kidney function. This medication should be used under close supervision, especially during the first few weeks, as some users may experience mood changes or increased seizure frequency.

Keppra is typically administered twice daily, with the total daily dose split evenly between morning and evening. Tablets should be swallowed whole with a glass of water and can be taken with or without food.

For adults and adolescents aged 16 years and older, the starting dose is generally 500 mg twice daily. This may be increased with increments of 500 mg twice daily every two weeks based on clinical response and tolerance, to a maximum of 1500 mg twice daily.

For children from 4 to 15 years of age, dosage is based on body weight.

If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered unless it’s nearly time for the next dose. Do not double-dose to make up for a missed dose. Treatment should not be stopped abruptly as this may worsen seizure control. Tapering must be done gradually and only under medical supervision.

Keppra is not typically associated with drug interactions, although it should not be taken within one hour of macrogol-based laxatives. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare provider.

Further information about levetiracetam, including its safety and clinical use, can be found on MedlinePlus.

Storage

Keppra tablets should be stored at temperatures below 25°C/77°F and kept in the original packaging to protect them from moisture and light. Always keep the medicine out of reach of children. The tablets are safe to use until the expiration date indicated on the packaging.

This text is for informational purposes only. Please consult a doctor or pharmacist before using any medication.

Read the information leaflet that comes with the medication.

If a sudden allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) occurs shortly after taking Keppra, with symptoms like swelling of the face, tongue, or throat making it difficult to breathe or swallow, or there is wheezing, hives, rash, blistering, or peeling of the skin, call a doctor or 911 right away, or go to an emergency room immediately.

Most people who use Keppra do not experience any adverse side effects. Doctors prescribe this medication because they assess the benefits of such treatment outweigh any likely unwanted effects.

Some of the side effects that have been reported include drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue, and irritability (especially during initial treatment,) loss of appetite, abdominal pain, diarrhea, insomnia, and headache.

Behavioral changes, such as aggression, anxiety, depression, or mood swings, may occur, particularly in children or individuals with a psychiatric history.

Special caution is advised for patients with renal impairment or psychiatric histories. Side effects can include drowsiness, dizziness, aggression, mood swings, and gastrointestinal discomfort. More serious but rare effects may include suicidal thoughts, severe allergic reactions, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, or encephalopathy.

Not all side effects are listed here. If these or other unlisted symptoms persist or worsen, consult a healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Keppra is primarily indicated for treating epilepsy, a neurological disorder characterized by abnormal electrical activity in the brain leading to seizures. As a monotherapy, Keppra is approved for adults aged 16 years and older with newly diagnosed partial-onset seizures. In adjunctive therapy, it is effective in managing:

Partial-onset seizures with or without secondary generalization in patients aged 4 years and older.
Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy in patients aged 12 years and older, characterized by sudden, brief muscle jerks usually affecting the arms.
Idiopathic generalized epilepsy, involving generalized tonic-clonic seizures.

Symptoms of these epilepsy types include:

Loss of awareness or consciousness
Staring spells
Uncontrolled muscle jerks
Convulsions
Aura sensations (flashing lights, smells, or feelings of déjà vu)

Keppra helps by stabilizing neuronal firing and preventing the spread of abnormal brain activity. It is not effective for absence seizures or non-epileptic seizure-like events and should be prescribed specifically for confirmed epilepsy types.

Yes, Keppra may cause mood alterations in some patients, including irritability, aggression, anxiety, or depression. These effects are more common in children and adolescents, but they can occur at any age. In rare cases, suicidal thoughts or behaviors have been reported. Anyone experiencing significant mood changes should seek medical attention immediately. These side effects may diminish over time, but if they worsen or impact quality of life, the prescribing physician may adjust the dosage or consider an alternative medication. Monitoring for behavioral changes is important, especially in the first weeks of treatment.
Levetiracetam is an anticonvulsant medication used to manage seizures in epilepsy. It works by interacting with synaptic vesicle protein SV2A, a protein involved in the release of neurotransmitters. While its exact mechanism is not fully understood, this action helps regulate abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Levetiracetam is not chemically related to other antiepileptic drugs, making it a useful option when patients do not tolerate or respond to other medications. It is used in both monotherapy and adjunctive therapy settings and is considered effective and generally well-tolerated across multiple age groups.
Any pregnant or breastfeeding individual should consult a doctor before starting or continuing levetiracetam. Maintaining seizure control during pregnancy is critical, so treatment decisions must be carefully balanced. Levetiracetam may be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk. While it is less likely than some older antiepileptic drugs to cause birth defects, data in humans is still limited.
Keppra is effective against several seizure types, including partial-onset seizures, juvenile myoclonic seizures, and generalized tonic-clonic seizures. These types of seizures are often associated with various forms of epilepsy, a neurological condition where abnormal brain activity causes episodes of convulsions, staring, or loss of awareness. Partial-onset seizures affect a localized area of the brain and may or may not impair consciousness. Myoclonic seizures involve quick, involuntary muscle jerks, and tonic-clonic seizures involve full-body convulsions. Keppra may be used alone or alongside other anti-seizure medications depending on the seizure type and patient profile.
No. Keppra is not typically used for absence seizures. Other medications, such as ethosuximide or valproate, are more commonly prescribed for absence seizures. Keppra is more suitable for focal and generalized tonic-clonic seizures, and myoclonic seizures seen in conditions like juvenile myoclonic epilepsy. Treatment must always be matched to the specific type of seizure and should be managed by a neurologist or epilepsy specialist.
Anticonvulsants like Keppra differ from older drugs in several ways. Keppra does not rely on liver enzymes for metabolism, reducing the risk of interactions with other medications. Its mechanism of action is unique, targeting SV2A, which modulates neurotransmitter release. This contrasts with drugs like phenytoin or carbamazepine, which work by blocking sodium channels. Keppra is also generally better tolerated, with fewer cognitive or coordination-related side effects. These advantages make it a preferred choice for many patients, especially those with complex medication regimens or underlying health conditions.

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