Levetiracetam Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions & more

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Uses

Levetiracetam is one of the medications that can be combined with others to treat epileptic seizures (epilepsy). Anticonvulsants are the category of medication that this substance falls under. It’s possible that levetiracetam will cut down on the number of seizures you experience.

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Instructions for the usage of the Levetiracetam Tablet in Suspension

Before beginning treatment with levetiracetam and whenever you get a refill on your prescription, make sure you carefully read the Medication Guide issued by your pharmacist. If you have any questions, you should consult with either your physician or your pharmacist.

You should take this medication by mouth as advised by your doctor, often twice daily. It can be used with or without food.

Following the instructions on the product packaging, take the tablet(s) out of the foil packet in a careful manner. Do not attempt to force the tablet or tablets through the foil. Please ensure that your hands are dry before you handle the drug. After you have placed each dose on your tongue, take a swig of the drink. Before consuming the medication, be sure that it has a chance to thoroughly dissolve. It is important that the tablet(s) not be taken entirely at once.

It is also possible to put the tablet or tablets in a cup with a very little bit of liquid (around 1 tablespoon or 15 millilitres). After giving it a light stir, immediately consume the entirety of the concoction without delay. You can double-check that you have consumed all of the medication by adding a very small quantity of additional liquid to the cup, rinsing it off, and then consuming the contents of the cup straight away.

Your current health status and how well you respond to treatment will determine the appropriate dosage. When determining the dosage for youngsters, weight is also a factor. It is possible that your physician will instruct you to begin taking this medication in a low amount and then gradually raise that dose over the course of a few days. This will help lessen the likelihood that you will experience unwanted side effects, such as dizziness and drowsiness. Be sure to pay close attention to your doctor’s directions.

Make sure you take this medication as directed for it to have the desired effect. Take it at the same time every day so that you don’t forget. This will assist.

Do not raise your dosage, take this medication more frequently, or use it for a longer period of time than directed. Your condition will not improve any more quickly, and the likelihood that you will experience adverse consequences will rise.

It is important that you speak with your healthcare provider before discontinuing the use of this medicine. Your seizures could become more severe if you suddenly stop using the medication. Your dosage ought to be lowered progressively, starting today.

Notify your physician immediately if your seizures continue, transform, or become more severe.

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Side Effects

It’s possible that you’ll experience drowsiness, dizziness, odd weariness, or weakness. These unwanted effects are likely to become less severe as your body responds to the medicine over the course of the first four weeks of treatment. Notify your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if any of these side effects continue or become worse.

Keep in mind that the reason your doctor has recommended that you take this medication is that he or she believes that the potential benefits to you outweigh the potential risks of doing so. The majority of persons who take this medicine do not report experiencing any severe adverse effects.

Notify your physician as soon as possible if you experience any serious side effects, such as loss of coordination (such as difficulty walking and controlling muscles); mental and mood changes (such as irritability, aggression, agitation, anger, and anxiety); signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn’t go away, fever, chills); signs of anaemia (such as unusual tiredness that doesn’t go away, pale skin, fast breathing, and fast heartbeat); easy bruising and bleeding.

People who use anticonvulsants for any illness (such as seizures, bipolar disorder, or pain) run the risk of developing depression, having suicidal thoughts or attempts, or having other mental or mood issues. This risk is especially high in children. Notify your physician without delay if you or a member of your family or your caretaker observe any odd or sudden changes in your mood, thoughts, or behaviour, such as signs of depression, suicidal thoughts or attempts, or ideas about hurting yourself.

It is not uncommon for levetiracetam to produce a rash, which is often not life-threatening. On the other hand, it is possible that you will not be able to differentiate it from a rare rash that may be an indication of a serious reaction. In the event that you break out in a rash, contact your physician as soon as possible.

It is quite unusual for this medicine to cause an extremely severe allergic reaction. However, you should seek immediate medical attention if you have any signs of a major allergic response, including but not limited to a rash, itching/swelling (particularly of the face/tongue/throat), extreme dizziness, or difficulty breathing.

This list of potential adverse effects is not exhaustive in any way. Please consult your physician or pharmacist if you have any side effects that are not listed above.

In the United States, if you are experiencing any adverse effects, please consult your primary care physician. You can call the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or visit their website at www.fda.gov/medwatch to report any adverse effects.

In Canada, if you are experiencing any adverse effects, please consult your primary care physician. You can call Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345 to report any adverse effects you experience.

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Precautions

Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to levetiracetam, or if you have any other allergies, before beginning treatment with levetiracetam. There is a possibility that this product contains inactive substances, which, if present, could result in allergic responses or other complications. Discuss the matter further with your pharmacist for further information.

Before beginning treatment with this drug, it is important that you discuss your medical history with your doctor or pharmacist, particularly if you have a history of mental or mood disorders, kidney disease, or treatment with dialysis (such as depression).

It is possible that this medication will cause you to feel drowsy or lightheaded, particularly during the first month of treatment. Drinking alcohol or smoking marijuana (also known as cannabis) can make you feel more lightheaded and sleepy. Do not attempt anything that requires alertness, such as driving, using machinery, riding a bicycle, or anything else, until you have reached the point where you can do it safely. Reduce your intake of alcoholic beverages. If you are a marijuana user, you should consult your primary care physician (cannabis).

Before undergoing surgery, it is important to discuss all of the products you use with your dentist or doctor (such as prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

It is possible that children are more susceptible to the negative effects of the medication, particularly mental and emotional shifts (such as irritability, aggression, agitation, anger, anxiety, depression, and thoughts of suicide). While using this medication, children younger than 4 years old may have an increased likelihood of developing high blood pressure.

The adverse effects of this medication, particularly sleepiness, dizziness, and loss of coordination, may be felt more acutely by those of advanced age. These adverse effects can increase the likelihood of experiencing a fall.

During pregnancy, it is important to only use this drug when it is absolutely necessary. Talk to your healthcare provider about the potential drawbacks and advantages.

This drug is found in breast milk after being taken. Before starting to breastfeed, you should talk to your healthcare provider.

Interactions

Drug interactions can alter the way in which your prescriptions work or raise the likelihood that you will have major adverse effects. This document does not contain all possible medication interactions. Maintain a list of all the goods you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, as well as herbal remedies, and give it to both your primary care physician and your pharmacist. Without first seeing your physician, do not begin, stop, or alter the dosage of any medications you are now taking.

Orlistat is a product that should be considered a possible interaction partner for this medication.

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Overdose

Dial 911 if you suspect that someone has overdosed and they are exhibiting serious symptoms such as passing out or having problems breathing. In any other case, you should immediately contact a poison control centre. To reach the poison control centre for your area in the United States, dial 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control centre. Breathing that is shallow or laboured and loss of consciousness are two possible symptoms of an overdose.

Warnings

This drug should not be given to anyone else.

While you are taking this medicine, you may be subjected to several medical and laboratory testing, including evaluations of your kidney function and complete blood count. Monitoring the child’s blood pressure is another option for youngsters younger than 4 years old. Consult your doctor for additional details.

Neglected Dose

If you forget to take a dose, you should take it as soon as you realise you forgot. If it is getting close to the time of the next dose, you should forgo the dose that you missed. Your next dose should be taken at the typical time. It is not necessary to double the dose in order to catch up.

Storage

Keep at room temperature and away from light and moisture. Store at room temperature. Keep away from the bathroom at all costs. Always make sure that children and animals are kept well away from any medications.

Unless you have been specifically told to do so, you should not flush drugs down the toilet or pour them down a drain. When it is no longer needed or has passed its expiration date, dispose of this product in the appropriate manner. Talk to your neighbourhood pharmacy or the firm that handles garbage disposal in your area.