Keppra (Levetiracetam)

• The dosage of Keppra is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. For children, the dosage is also based on weight. Your healthcare provider may direct you to start this medication at a low dose and gradually increase your dose to reduce the risk of side effects such as dizziness and drowsiness.
• Take the liquid and regular-release tablets by mouth as directed by your healthcare provider, usually twice daily with or without food. If you are using the liquid form, carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose. Crushing or chewing the tablet may cause a bitter taste.
• If you are using the extended-release tablets, take this medication as directed by your healthcare provider, usually once daily. Swallow the extended-release tablets whole. Do not crush or chew the tablets, as doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects.
• Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day. Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed, as your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase. Furthermore, do not stop taking this medication without consulting your healthcare provider, as your seizures may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose should be gradually decreased.
• Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your healthcare provider may occasionally change your dose, and your dose needs may change if you switch to a different brand, strength, or form of Keppra. 

Common Side Effects:

• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Tiredness
• Weakness
• Feeling aggressive or irritable
• Loss of appetite
• Stuffy nose
• Infection
• Behavioral abnormalities in young children, such as overactivity or agitation
• Psychotic symptoms in young children
• Increased blood pressure in children aged 1 month to 4 years
• Decreased appetite
• Increased blood pressure
• Nasal congestion
• Sleepiness
• Headache, especially in children

Serious Side Effects:

• Suicidal thoughts or behavior
• Unusual mood or behavior changes
• Severe injuries due to dizziness or drowsiness

This is not an exhaustive list of side effects, and others may occur. If you experience any side effects or have concerns about taking Keppra, seek medical advice and report any symptoms to your healthcare provider. 

Keppra may cause dizziness and somnolence. Patients should be informed not to drive or operate machinery until they have gained sufficient experience on Keppra to gauge whether it adversely affects their ability to drive or operate machinery.

Patients should discontinue Keppra and seek medical care if they develop signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis or angioedema.

Serious dermatological adverse reactions have occurred in patients treated with Keppra. Patients should be instructed to call their healthcare provider immediately if a rash develops

Patients and caregivers should not discontinue the use of Keppra without consulting with their healthcare provider. Keppra should normally be gradually withdrawn to reduce the potential of increased seizure frequency and status epilepticus.

Keppra may cause behavioral abnormalities and psychotic symptoms. Patients treated with Keppra should be monitored for the emergence or worsening of symptoms of depression, unusual changes in mood or behavior, or suicidal thoughts, behavior, or thoughts about self-harm. Patients should be advised to immediately report behaviors of concern to a healthcare provider.

Discuss your health history with your healthcare provider before taking Keppra, as it may not be suitable for individuals with certain medical conditions or other factors affecting their health. Furthermore, there are risks associated with Keppra treatment during pregnancy, and patients should consider this information if they can become pregnant.

Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice and to ensure the safe and appropriate use of Keppra based on your individual health circumstances.