Home | Links | Contact Us | Top 50 | Submit | Bookmark
Find a drug:
A   B   C   D   E   F   G   H   I   J   K   L   M   N   O   P   Q   R   S   T   U   V   W   X   Y   Z   #  


Health Discussion Forum


Drug Guide    L   Levetiracetam

    Prescription drug information       Post your opinion about this drug    

   Levetiracetam

Levetiracetam
Oral


This medication is used in combination with other medications to treat seizure disorders (epilepsy). Levetiracetam has been shown to decrease the number of seizures in adults and children with a certain type of seizure (partial onset). It is not known how it works to prevent seizures.

 
no rating
No Rating Yet
No Reviews | Post your opinion
  Levetiracetam images:

Overview Photos How To Use Side Effects Precautions Missed Dose Drug Interactions

Levetiracetam

Uses
This medication is used in combination with other medications to treat seizure disorders (epilepsy). Levetiracetam has been shown to decrease the number of seizures in adults and children with a certain type of seizure (partial onset). It is not known how it works to prevent seizures.
Notes
  • Do not share this medication with others.Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., complete blood count) may be performed to monitor your progress and check for side effects.

Storage
  • Store at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 C) away from light and moisture.
  • Brief storage between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted.
  • Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Overdose
  • Symptoms of overdose may include slow/shallow breathing, loss of consciousness.

How To Use
  • Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you use this medication and each time you get a refill.
  • If you have questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually twice daily or as directed by your doctor.
  • Take this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it.
  • To help you remember, take it at the same times each day, about 12 hours apart.
  • Your doctor may slowly increase the dose to lessen the chance of side effects, especially dizziness and drowsiness.
  • If you are using the liquid form of this medication, carefully measure your dose using a special measuring spoon or device.
  • Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose.Dosage is based on your condition and response to therapy.
  • The dosage in children is also based on weight.
  • Do not take this drug more often or increase your dose without consulting your doctor.
  • Do not stop taking this drug suddenly without your doctor's approval since seizures may return or worsen.If this medication does not control your seizures or your seizures change or become worse, notify your doctor.

Side Effects
  • Drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, tiredness, constipation, and loss of coordination (e.g., difficulty walking and controlling muscles) may occur.
  • These side effects are more common during the first 4 weeks and usually lessen as your body adjusts to the medication.
  • If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects.
  • Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: hair loss, neck pain, mental/mood changes (e.g., anxiety, agitation, depression, hostility, nervousness, thoughts of suicide), vision changes (e.g., double vision).Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: unusual weakness, easy bleeding/bruising, signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat).A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs.
  • Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions
  • Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: blood disorders (e.g., anemia), kidney disease (including dialysis treatment), mental/mood disorders (e.g., depression).This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy, especially during the first month of treatment.
  • Use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving, riding a bicycle, or using machinery.
  • Limit alcoholic beverages.Kidney function declines as you grow older.
  • This medication is removed by the kidneys.
  • Therefore, elderly people may be at a greater risk for side effects such as dizziness while using this drug.This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy.
  • Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.This drug passes into breast milk.
  • Because of the possible harm to a nursing infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended.

Missed Dose
  • If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember.
  • If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.
  • Do not double the dose to catch up.

Drug Interactions
  • Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them.
  • Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use.Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you also take drugs that cause drowsiness such as certain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine), anti-seizure drugs (e.g., carbamazepine), medicine for sleep or anxiety (e.g., alprazolam, diazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants, narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), psychiatric medicines (e.g., chlorpromazine, risperidone, amitriptyline, trazodone).Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products) because they may contain drowsiness-causing ingredients.
  • Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products.
Share and Enjoy!


Add a Rating - Post your opinion about this drug

Post your opinion about Levetiracetam
Ratings Legend
5 Stars = Excellent      4 Stars = Good      3 Stars = Average      2 Stars = Fair      1 Star   = Poor
* Required Fieldpoorexcellent
*Satisfaction
Low adverse Reactions
Healing Power
No dependency problems
Cost-Benefit

*Why were you taking Levetiracetam ?

Briefly describe any side effects you experienced:


Additional Comments about Levetiracetam :


*Your gender:  male    female  
*Your age:   

Location :

*Length of time taking drug?
(use "comments" for other time length)

Email (optional):  


Posting rules
  • Please no foul language
  • English only
  • No commercial advertising
  • No SPAM. No pyramid schemes of any kind
  • Read before you post.
  • No ALL CAPS, they are considered impolite

If you don't follow the above rules, your post will be probably deleted.





CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgement of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.

Large Text
Archive: All drugs - Links - Forum
Drug3k does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. 0.004
Copyright (c) 2007 Drug3k Thursday, March 18, 2010