Leviteracetam is a commercial drug that is prescribed in the form of Tablet. Epilepsy are some of its major therapeutic uses. Leviteracetam also has some secondary and off-label uses. These are listed below.
The correct dosage of Leviteracetam depends on the patient's age, gender, and medical history. The condition it has been prescribed for, and the route of administration also determine the right dosage. Refer to the dosage section for a detailed discussion.
Common side effects of Leviteracetam include Fatigue, Headache, Drowsiness. Some other side effects of Leviteracetam have been listed ahead. Normally, these side effects of Leviteracetam are not long lasting and go away when the treatment is finished. If, however, they worsen or do not go away, please speak with your physician.
Furthermore, you should know that effect of Leviteracetam is Moderate for pregnant women and Mild for women who are breastfeeding. Warnings related to Leviteracetam's effects on the liver, heart and kidney, if any, have been listed below.
The section on Leviteracetam contraindications lists all such conditions.
Drug interactions for Leviteracetam have been reported in the medical literature. Refer to the list below for further details.
Along with the above-mentioned precautions, remember that taking Leviteracetam is considered not safe while driving, and is not addictive.
Leviteracetam is used to treat the following -
This is the usual dosage recommended in most common treatment cases. Please remember that every patient and their case is different, so the dosage can be different based on the disease, route of administration, patient's age and medical history.
Find the right dosage based on disease and age
Age Group | Dosage |
Adult |
|
Geriatric |
|
13 - 18 years (Adolescent) |
|
2 - 12 years (Child) |
|
Is the use of Leviteracetam safe for pregnant women?
Leviteracetam may have some side effects during pregnancy. Pregnant women should discontinue the use of Leviteracetam, and talk to their doctor, if they notice any discomfort.
Is the use of Leviteracetam safe during breastfeeding?
Leviteracetam has been seen to have minimal side effects on breastfeeding women.
What is the effect of Leviteracetam on the Kidneys?
Leviteracetam rarely harms the kidneys.
What is the effect of Leviteracetam on the Liver?
Very few cases of side effects of Leviteracetam on the liver have been reported.
What is the effect of Leviteracetam on the Heart?
Using Leviteracetam does not have any harmful effects on the heart.
Leviteracetam should not be taken with following medicines due to severe side effects it may cause to patients -
Moderate
If you are suffering from any of the following diseases, you should not take Leviteracetam unless your doctor advises you to do so -
Is this Leviteracetam habit forming or addictive?
Leviteracetam does not cause addiction.
Is it safe to drive or operate heavy machinery when consuming?
After taking Leviteracetam, you should not drive or work on any heavy machine, as Leviteracetam can make you drowsy.
Is it safe?
Leviteracetam is safe but it is important to consult a doctor before taking it.
Is it able to treat mental disorders?
Yes, in many cases, taking Leviteracetam can help with mental disorders.
Interaction between Food and Leviteracetam
Taking Leviteracetam with food does not cause any problems.
Interaction between Alcohol and Leviteracetam
Consuming Leviteracetam with alcohol can have many serious effects on your body.
Leviteracetam is a brand name of levetiracetam and is available in the form of tablet, syrup, and injection. It belongs to the class of drug known as antiepileptics (pyrrolidine anticonvulsants). It is a prescription drug which is used for the treatment of epilepsy (seizures).
Yes, Leviteracetam is safe to use, if taken in prescribed amount and duration as advised by the doctor. However, certain side effects have been associated with this drug such as weakness, dizziness, and irritability. If you experience above-mentioned side after consuming this drug then inform your doctor and follow his/her instructions.
Initially Leviteracetam is given for short-term treatment up to 2-4 weeks later the patient is called for follow up visit and depending on his medical condition doctor might prescribe it for a longer period. You are advised to take Leviteracetam as directed by your doctor. Do not take this medicine longer than prescribed by your doctor to avoid unpleasant side effects.
No, Leviteracetam is not a steroid. It belongs to the class of drug known as antiepileptics (pyrrolidine anticonvulsants).
Leviteracetam contains levetiracetam which is an anti-epileptic agent. The exact mechanism for antiepileptic activity is not known but it is presumed that Leviteracetam works by preventing the release of chemical messengers (neurotransmitters) in the brain by binding to specific proteins (synaptic vesicle protein). It indirectly helps in increasing the activity of inhibitory neurotransmitter (GABA) which prevents the abnormal activity in the brain. In this way Leviteracetam prevents from the seizures.
This medicine data has been created by -
References
US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) [Internet]. Maryland. USA; Package leaflet information for the user; Keppra® (levetiracetam)
April Hazard Vallerand, Cynthia A. Sanoski. [link]. Sixteenth Edition. Philadelphia, China: F. A. Davis Company; 2019: Page No 765-767
KD Tripathi. [link]. Seventh Edition. New Delhi, India: Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers; 2013: Page No 420