- 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.
It 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.)
Currently, it is made by UCB, Inc.
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 the medication works to prevent partial seizures in people with epilepsy. In fact, studies have shown that Keppra does not work like any other seizure medication.
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.
The drug 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 the medication include the following:
- Keppra comes in tablet and oral liquid form, and is taken by mouth twice daily.
- It also comes in an injectable form that is given intravenously (through an IV) to people who cannot take it by mouth (such as during hospitalization).
- The medication can be taken with or without food. If it 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 dose.
- It 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. It will not work if you stop taking it. Do not stop taking it without first discussing it with your healthcare provider (see Keppra Withdrawal).
The dosage 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 dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
As with any medicine, side effects are possible. 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 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.)
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking It?
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.
What If I Take an Overdose?
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, seek immediate medical attention.
The drug should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Store Keppra tablets in an airtight container.
Keep this medication and all other medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
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.
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.
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, this medication is available in generic form
(see Generic Keppra).
