Epilepsy Home > Alternatives to Keppra
Although most people tolerate Keppra well, it is possible to develop bothersome side effects while taking the medication. Also, Keppra may not adequately control your seizures. In these cases, there are some Keppra alternatives that you may consider, such as other seizure medications, a special diet, or surgery. Some seizure medications that can be used as alternatives to Keppra include carbamazepine, divalproex sodium, and ethosuximide.
An Overview of Alternatives to Keppra
Keppra® (levetiracetam) is a prescription medication used to treat certain seizure types in people with epilepsy. Keppra is only approved for use in combination with other seizure medications (it is not approved to be used alone).Often, Keppra is an effective medication for controlling seizures, and people usually tolerate this epilepsy medication well. However, as with all medicines, it is possible to develop bothersome or dangerous Keppra side effects. Also, in some situations, Keppra may not adequately control seizures. Fortunately, there are several alternatives to Keppra for controlling seizures, including:
- Other seizure medications
- A special diet (see Epilepsy Diet)
- Surgery (see Epilepsy Surgery).
Other Seizure Medications as Alternatives to Keppra
Fortunately, there are many other seizure medications that can be used as alternatives to Keppra. These medications include:- Carbamazepine (Carbatrol®, Epitol®, Equetro™, Tegretol®)
- Divalproex sodium (Depakote®, Depakote® ER)
- Ethosuximide (Zarontin®)
- Felbamate (Felbatol®)
- Fosphenytoin (Cerebyx®)
- Gabapentin (Neurontin®)
- Lamotrigine (Lamictal®)
- Oxcarbazepine (Trileptal®)
- Phenytoin (Dilantin®, Phenytek®)
- Pregabalin (Lyrica®)
- Tiagabine (Gabitril®)
- Topiramate (Topamax®)
- Valproic acid (Depakene®)
- Zonisamide (Zonegran®).
Some barbiturates and benzodiazepine medications are also approved for controlling seizures. They are often very useful in emergency situations. However, these medications have the potential to be abused and may lead to dependence or addiction. These medications include:
- Amobarbital (Amytal®)
- Pentobarbital (Nembutal®)
- Phenobarbital (Luminal®)
- Clonazepam (Klonopin®)
- Clorazepate (Tranxene®)
- Diazepam (Valium®, Diastat®).