What Is Levetiracetam?
Levetiracetam is a prescription antiepileptic medication used to control seizures in individuals with epilepsy. It belongs to a class of drugs known as pyrrolidone derivatives, which work by stabilizing electrical activity in the brain and reducing the frequency of seizures. This medication is widely prescribed for partial-onset seizures, myoclonic seizures, and generalized tonic-clonic seizures in both adults and children. By effectively managing seizures, Levetiracetam helps individuals maintain their daily activities with fewer interruptions due to epilepsy.
How Does Levetiracetam Work?
Levetiracetam works by binding to the synaptic vesicle protein 2A (SV2A), which helps regulate neurotransmitter release in the brain. This action reduces abnormal nerve signaling, helping to prevent seizures from occurring. Unlike other antiepileptic drugs, Levetiracetam does not significantly affect sodium or calcium channels, making it a well-tolerated option for seizure management. Its unique mechanism of action contributes to its effectiveness and allows for use in various types of epilepsy.
Benefits of Using Levetiracetam
Effective Seizure Control
Levetiracetam is widely used to reduce seizure frequency in individuals with various types of epilepsy, helping improve quality of life and daily functioning. By minimizing seizure occurrences, it enables individuals to engage in everyday activities with greater confidence and security.
Fewer Drug Interactions
Unlike some other antiepileptic medications, Levetiracetam has minimal interactions with other drugs, making it a safer option for individuals on multiple medications. This makes it a preferred choice for patients who need to manage other health conditions simultaneously without the risk of harmful interactions.
Well-Tolerated with Fewer Side Effects
Levetiracetam is associated with fewer cognitive side effects compared to older antiepileptic drugs, making it a preferred choice for long-term use. Its lower risk of causing sedation or memory impairment helps individuals maintain focus and mental clarity while undergoing treatment.
Uses of Levetiracetam
Levetiracetam is prescribed for the treatment of:
- Partial-Onset Seizures: Used as monotherapy or adjunct therapy in adults and children. It helps stabilize abnormal electrical activity in the brain, preventing seizures from disrupting daily life.
- Myoclonic Seizures: Helps control seizures associated with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME). These seizures involve sudden, brief muscle jerks and can significantly impact a person’s ability to perform daily tasks.
- Generalized Tonic-Clonic Seizures: Used in individuals with idiopathic generalized epilepsy to reduce the severity and frequency of these seizures, which involve loss of consciousness and muscle stiffness.
Dosage Forms and Strengths
Levetiracetam is available in multiple forms, including:
- Tablets: 250 mg, 500 mg, 750 mg, and 1000 mg, which allow for flexible dosing depending on individual needs.
- Oral Solution: 100 mg/mL, an option for patients who have difficulty swallowing tablets.
- Injectable Solution: 100 mg/mL (for intravenous use), which is administered in hospital settings for patients who require urgent seizure control.
The typical starting dose is 500 mg twice daily, with possible adjustments based on the patient’s response and tolerance. Dosage may vary depending on the severity of epilepsy and individual medical conditions, making it essential to follow a healthcare provider’s recommendations.
How to Use Levetiracetam
Administration Instructions
- Take at the same time each day to maintain stable drug levels in the body and ensure consistent seizure control.
- Swallow tablets whole with water; do not crush or chew them, as this may alter the release mechanism of the medication.
- Oral solution users: Measure doses accurately using a provided measuring device to ensure proper intake.
- IV administration should only be performed by a healthcare professional in a clinical setting to manage acute seizures effectively.
Levetiracetam Side Effects
Common Side Effects
- Drowsiness or fatigue, which may impact daily activities and concentration.
- Dizziness or coordination issues, making it important to avoid activities requiring alertness until the effects are known.
- Irritability or mood changes, which can affect interactions with others.
- Mild headache, which typically subsides with continued use.
Serious Side Effects
- Severe behavioral changes, including aggression or depression, requiring immediate medical attention.
- Suicidal thoughts or mood instability, which should be reported to a healthcare provider right away.
- Severe allergic reactions (rash, swelling, breathing difficulties), indicating the need for emergency care.
- Unexplained fever or weakness, which may signal an underlying issue requiring further evaluation.
Seek medical attention if you experience any severe side effects to prevent complications.
Levetiracetam Overdose
Symptoms of overdose may include:
- Severe drowsiness or unconsciousness, requiring urgent medical intervention.
- Respiratory depression, which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
- Loss of coordination or extreme confusion, affecting the ability to function normally.
In case of overdose, seek emergency medical care or contact a poison control center immediately for guidance.
Levetiracetam Missed Dose
- If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible to maintain medication effectiveness.
- If it is close to the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with the regular schedule.
- Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one, as this may increase the risk of side effects.
Levetiracetam Storage Instructions
- Store at room temperature (between 68°F and 77°F (20°C to 25°C)) to preserve its effectiveness.
- Keep the bottle tightly closed and away from moisture and heat, which can degrade the medication.
- Discard expired or unused medication properly to prevent accidental ingestion.
Levetiracetam Interactions
Levetiracetam has minimal drug interactions, but caution is advised when used with:
- Central Nervous System Depressants: These may enhance drowsiness when taken with alcohol, sedatives, or opioids, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Certain Antiepileptic Drugs: These may require dosage adjustments when combined with other seizure medications to prevent excessive sedation or reduced effectiveness.
Warnings and Precautions
- Behavioral and Mood Changes: Levetiracetam may cause irritability, depression, or suicidal thoughts. It is essential to monitor for mood disturbances and seek help if needed.
- Drowsiness and Dizziness: May impair concentration and reaction time. Avoid activities requiring alertness, such as driving, until you know how it affects you.
- Kidney Function Monitoring: Dosage adjustments may be required in patients with renal impairment to prevent toxicity.
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Consult a doctor before use, as it may affect fetal development, but it is sometimes necessary for seizure control to protect both the mother and baby.
Where to Buy Levetiracetam
Buy Levetiracetam online at Honeybee Pharmacy, a trusted pharmacy partner. Ordering from a reputable online source ensures access to authentic and affordable medication, delivered safely to your door.
For expert guidance on Levetiracetam, consult your healthcare provider or call our toll-free number to speak with the next available pharmacist from our contracted licensed pharmacy, who can provide additional information and support.
Contact Information
If you have any questions about your medication order or need assistance, feel free to call or text us at 1-888-483-1267 (Toll-Free). You can also fax us at 1-888-338-6690. Our support team is available Monday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM CST and on weekends from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM CST, ensuring help is available every day of the year.
For prompt service, we recommend reaching out to our customer support team during business hours. This allows you to speak directly with a representative for immediate assistance regarding orders, shipping, or product details.
Medication orders from Canada typically arrive within 10-14 business days from the shipping date. Internationally sourced medications may take 15-20 business days to arrive. If you have any concerns about tracking or receiving your order, please call or text 1-888-483-1267 to speak with a member of our loyalty team.
FAQs
Levothyroxine is used to treat hypothyroidism and to suppress pituitary TSH secretion.
It may take several weeks for symptoms to improve after starting Levothyroxine.
Certain medications may interact with Levothyroxine. Consult your doctor before starting any new medications.