Keppra

Keppra is commonly prescribed in combination with other seizure medications for the treatment of certain types of epileptic seizures, including partial seizures and myoclonic seizures. It is available in the form of a tablet or a liquid that is taken by mouth twice a day. There is also an injectable form of Keppra that can be given intravenously to people who cannot take the medication orally. Drowsiness, difficulty breathing, and agitation are common side effects seen with Keppra.

 

What Is Keppra?

Keppra® (levetiracetam) is a prescription medication used to treat epilepsy. In particular, Keppra is approved to treat the following types of seizures:
 
  • Partial seizures in adults and children age four and older
  • Myoclonic seizures in adults and adolescents age 12 and older
  • Generalized tonic clonic ("grand mal") seizures in adults and children age six and older.
     
Keppra is approved only for use in combination with other seizure medications; it is not approved to be used alone.
 
(Click Keppra Uses for more information on what the drug is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Keppra?

Currently, Keppra is made by UCB, Inc.
 

How Does Keppra Work?

Epilepsy is a brain disorder caused by recurring, brief changes in the brain's electrical system. These changes in brain activity can lead to a seizure (see Epilepsy Symptoms). It is not known exactly how Keppra works to prevent partial seizures in people with epilepsy. In fact, studies have shown that Keppra does not work like any other seizure medication.
 

Effects of Keppra

In one study, adults with partial seizures that added Keppra to the seizure medications they were already taking reduced the frequency of their seizures by up to 30.1 percent, on average. Similar results were seen in a study of Keppra for partial seizures in children age 4 to 16 years old.
 
In another study, people age 12 and older with myoclonic seizures added Keppra to their seizure medications. As many as 60.4 percent of these people had at least 50 percent more seizure-free days, compared to before they added Keppra to their medications.
 
Keppra has also been studied for generalized tonic-clonic seizures. In one study, people who added Keppra to the seizure medications they were already taking reduced the frequency of their seizures by up to 77.6 percent.
 

When and How to Take Keppra

Some general considerations for when and how to take Keppra include the following:
 
  • Keppra comes in tablet and oral liquid form, and is taken by mouth twice daily.
     
  • Keppra also comes in an injectable form that is given intravenously (through an IV) to people who cannot take Keppra by mouth (such as during hospitalization).
     
  • Keppra can be taken with or without food. If Keppra bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
     
  • If you are taking the oral liquid form (Keppra solution), make sure you know exactly how to measure your dose. In general, household spoons are not accurate enough for medication use. Ask your pharmacist about the best way to measure your Keppra dose.
     
  • Keppra should be taken at the same times each day to maintain an even level of the drug in your blood.
     
  • For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Keppra will not work if you stop taking it. Do not stop taking Keppra without first discussing it with your healthcare provider (see Keppra Withdrawal).
     

Dosing Information for Keppra

The dose of Keppra that your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • The type of seizures you have
  • Your age and weight
  • Other medications you may be taking
  • Other medical conditions you may have.
     
As is always the case, do not adjust your Keppra dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Keppra Dosage for more information.)
 

Side Effects of Keppra

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Keppra. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
Common side effects of Keppra include, but are not limited to:
 
  • Drowsiness
  • Accidental injury
  • Weakness
  • Vomiting.
     
(Click Keppra Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 

Drug Interactions With Keppra

Unlike most other seizure medications, Keppra is unlikely to interact with most medications (see Keppra Drug Interactions).
 

Keppra: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Keppra if you have:
 
  • Anemia or any other blood disorder
  • Kidney disease, including kidney failure (renal failure)
  • Any allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives.
     
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Keppra Warnings and Precautions to learn more, including information on who should not take the drug.)
 

What If I Take an Overdose of Keppra?

People who take too much Keppra may have overdose symptoms that could include:
 
  • Drowsiness
  • Agitation
  • Aggression
  • Unconsciousness
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Coma.
     
If you happen to overdose on Keppra, seek immediate medical attention.
 
(Click Keppra Overdose for more information.)
 

How Should Keppra Be Stored?

Keppra should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Store Keppra tablets in an airtight container.
 
Keep Keppra and all medications out of the reach of children.
 

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of Keppra?

If you do not take your Keppra as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose of the medication.
 

Keppra Alternatives

There are several alternatives to Keppra for treating epilepsy. This can include other seizure medications (see Epilepsy Medication), surgery (see Epilepsy Surgery), or a special diet (see Epilepsy Diet).
 
While Keppra is often effective and well tolerated, it does not work for everyone. It may also cause side effects. With so many different treatment options for epilepsy, people should not settle for treatment that is not effective enough for them or that causes bothersome side effects.
 
(Click Alternatives to Keppra for more information.)
 

Strengths of Keppra

Keppra tablets are available in four strengths:
 
  • Keppra 250 mg
  • Keppra 500 mg
  • Keppra 750 mg
  • Keppra 1000 mg.
     
Keppra solution (oral liquid) is available in one strength -- Keppra solution 100 mg per mL. Keppra solution is clear, colorless, and grape flavored. An injectable form of Keppra is also available.
 

Is There a Generic Version of Keppra?

Currently, there is no generic Keppra licensed for sale (see Generic Keppra).
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;