subject: Keppra is a Anti-Epileptic Drug to Prevent Onset of Seizures in Older Patients [print this page] Keppra is a Anti-Epileptic Drug to Prevent Onset of Seizures in Older Patients
Keppra is a Anti-Epileptic Drug to Prevent Onset of Seizures in Older Patients
Keppra is a prescription medicine that is used with other medicines to treat partial onset seizures in patients 16 years and older who are suffering from epilepsy. Keppra, manufactured by UCB Pharmaceuticals, is available as generic Levetiracetam in the market.
Keppra Prescription
Anti-epilepsy medication Keppra is prescribed for the treatment of partial onset seizures in adults and children 4 years of age and older having epilepsy. This medication has been shown to decrease the number of seizures in both adults and children. It is also indicated for the treatment of myoclonic seizures in adults and adolescents of 12 years and older with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy. Keppra is also indicated for the treatment of primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures in adults and children 6 years of age and older with idiopathic generalized epilepsy.
Keppra comes in tablets, oral solution and injection form and all contain the same active ingredient levetiracetam, which is a drug used to treat epilepsy. This medication takes effect by stabilising electrical activity in the brain.
To understand what are fits or seizures, it is necessary to understand how they occur. The brain and nerves are formed of many nerve cells that relay information to each other through electrical signals. These signals have to be carefully regulated for the brain and nerves to function optimally and in a normal manner. In patients with fits or seizures, abnormally rapid and repetitive electrical signals are released in the brain, causing it to become over-stimulated and act abnormal, which results in seizures or convulsions. Keppra can be used by itself or given along with other anti-epileptic drugs as prescribed by your health expert.
Side-Effects
The most common side effects of Keppra are:
Sleepiness
Weakness
Dizziness
Infection
Although Keppra is generally well-tolerated, like all anti-epileptic drugs, it may cause some adverse drug reactions. Keppra has been known to cause suicidal thoughts or actions and patients experiencing depression, mood problems or suicidal thoughts or behaviour while taking Keppra should immediately notify their physician. The medication may also cause severe sleepiness, tiredness and weakness, and problems with muscle coordination, along with mood changes including psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and unusual behaviour. Patients taking Keppra should not discontinue the medication abruptly unless instructed to do so by their physician.
Dosage
Keppra is available in doses of 1000 mg, 2000 mg, and 3000 mg, often prescribed twice-daily taken orally with or without food.
Being Alert to Keppra Side Effects
Anti-epileptic drugs like Keppra increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior in patients and need to be monitored for the beginnings/worsening of depression, suicidal thoughts or behavior, and/or any unusual changes in mood or behavior. To ensure patient's safety, caregivers must be counseled and educated to read any danger signs. Keppra could trigger violent behaviors and pregnant women should alert their physician about their condition immediately. This medication should not be used by patients with decreased kidney and liver functions, and by people who have been advised a low sodium diet, as it contains high levels of sodium. The drug contains Maltitol - and is not suitable for patients with rare hereditary problems of fructose intolerance.
