Description

Levetiracetam is an anticonvulsant (antiepileptic) medication that binds to the synaptic vesicle protein SV2A, modulating neurotransmitter release to reduce seizure activity. It’s used for treating partial-onset, myoclonic, and generalized tonic-clonic seizures.

Prescription

• Prescription-only (Rx-only); not available over the counter in jurisdictions like the US, UK, EU, and others.

Dosage

• Immediate-release: Adults typically start with 250 mg twice daily, increasing per response—common maintenance ranges from 500 to 1500 mg twice daily, with a maximum of 3000 mg per day.
• Extended-release (not 250/500 mg): Initiated at 1000 mg once daily, up to 3000 mg/day.

Therapeutic Category

• Antiepileptic (Racetam anticonvulsant)—used in epilepsy management.

Active Ingredients / Composition

• Each tablet contains levetiracetam as the active ingredient, in strengths of 250 mg or 500 mg.
  

Variant

• Immediate-release tablets: 250 mg, 500 mg, and higher (750 mg, 1000 mg).
• Oral solution, injectable, and extended-release forms exist, but the focus here is on the 250 mg and 500 mg tablets.

Consume Type

• Oral tablets; swallow whole with water. Intravenous and other forms also available but not typical for 250 mg/500 mg tablet usage.

Directions / Usage

• Typically taken twice daily, at the same times each day.
• Start at 250 mg twice a day; adjust upward every 2 weeks according to clinical response and tolerability—possible maintenance up to 1500 mg twice daily.
• Never stop abruptly—taper under medical supervision to reduce seizure rebound risk.

Common Side Effects

• Drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue, irritability, mood changes, coordination difficulties.
• Psychiatric risks include aggression, depression, suicidal ideation; severe skin reactions like Stevens–Johnson syndrome are rare.
• May impact bone mineral density over long-term use.

Package Type

• Film-coated tablets, usually colored (e.g., 250 mg blue; 500 mg yellow), typically in blister packs or bottles.

Storage Advice

• Store at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and direct light. Keep out of reach of children. (Standard practice; corroborated by Mayo Clinic guidance.)

Safety Advice

• Renal impairment requires dose adjustments (e.g., reduced dose or extended dosing intervals).
• Monitor for mood changes or suicidal thoughts.
• Avoid abrupt discontinuation.

Product Substitutes

Generic versions are widely available under various brand and generic names globally (e.g., Keppra, Elepsia, Spritam).

Manufacturer / Marketer

•  UCB Pharma,
  

Country of Origin

• Developed by UCB (Belgium).