Levetiracetam for Epilepsy

Overview
According to the Australian Medicines Handbook (AMH), Levetiracetam is indicated for focal (partial) seizures, for primary generalised tonic-clonic seizures associated with idiopathic generalised epilepsy, and for myoclonic seizures associated with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy in people 12 years and older.

Levetiracetam is an antiepileptic, or drug that prevents seizures. It is believed that Levetiracetam works in cases of epilepsy by inhibiting nerve signals.

How do I take it?
Levetiracetam comes in tablet, oral liquid, and injectable forms.

Side effects
The AMH lists common side effects for Levetiracetam including dizziness, drowsiness, headache, weakness, insomnia, anxiety, depression, moodiness, aggression, agitation, double vision, and loss of appetite.

Rare but serious side effects listed for Levetiracetam include blood disorders, toxic epidermal necrolysis or Stevens-Johnson syndrome (potentially life-threatening disorders of skin and mucous membranes), and multi-organ hypersensitivity syndrome (a potentially life-threatening condition).

Information was sourced from:

The Australian Medicines Handbook
https://amhonline.amh.net.au/

For more information:

Levetiracetam (PDF) – Apotex
https://gp2u.com.au/static/pdf/A/APO-LEVETIRACE...