Question 1

What is Keppra?

Accepted Answer

Keppra is a brand-name medication containing the active ingredient levetiracetam, which belongs to a class of drugs known as anticonvulsants or antiepileptics. It works by acting on the central nervous system to help control abnormal electrical activity in the brain.

The primary purpose of this medication is to decrease the frequency of seizures. It is used as part of a treatment plan to manage seizure activity.

Question 2

What is Keppra used for?

Accepted Answer

Keppra is used to treat the following types of seizures:

Partial-onset seizures

Myoclonic seizures

Primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures

Question 3

How does Keppra work?

Accepted Answer

Mechanism of Action

Keppra belongs to a class of drugs known as anticonvulsants or antiepileptics. It acts on the central nervous system to reduce the frequency and severity of seizures.

The precise way that Keppra works is not fully understood, but it is known to function differently than many other seizure medications. Research indicates that it binds to a specific protein in the brain called synaptic vesicle protein 2A (SV2A) .

By interacting with this protein, Keppra is believed to:

Help regulate the release of neurotransmitters, which are chemical messengers that allow nerve cells to communicate.

Decrease abnormal electrical excitement or "bursts" in the brain that lead to seizures.

Stabilize electrical activity in the brain without interfering with normal nerve cell communication.

Because it targets the SV2A protein, Keppra provides a unique method of seizure control compared to older medications that typically target different pathways, such as sodium channels or GABA receptors.

Question 4

What are the active ingredients in Keppra?

Accepted Answer

The active ingredient in Keppra is levetiracetam .

Question 5

What are the side effects of Keppra?

Accepted Answer

Common side effects of Keppra may include:

somnolence

dizziness

fatigue

and others

Always consult with a healthcare professional about potential side effects.

Question 6

What drug class is Keppra?

Accepted Answer

Keppra belongs to the antiepileptic drug class.

Question 7

What is the dosage of Keppra and how do I take it?

Accepted Answer

How to Take Keppra

Keppra is available in several forms, including immediate-release tablets, extended-release tablets, and an oral solution. It can also be administered as an intravenous injection or infusion by a healthcare professional. This medication is typically taken at the same time each day to maintain consistent levels in the body.

Oral Administration

Keppra can be taken with or without food. The immediate-release tablets and oral solution are usually taken twice a day, while the extended-release tablets are typically taken once daily.

Tablets: Swallow the tablets whole with liquid. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablets, as this is particularly important for the extended-release formulation to ensure the medication is released properly.

Oral Solution: Use a proper medical measuring device, such as a dose-measuring spoon or oral syringe, to measure the liquid. Household spoons should not be used because they are not accurate.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule. Do not take extra medication to make up for a missed dose.

Question 8

Is Keppra safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Accepted Answer

Pregnancy

If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, discuss the risks and benefits of using Keppra with your healthcare provider. It is generally recommended to use this medication during pregnancy only when the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Physiological changes during pregnancy can cause the concentration of levetiracetam in the blood to decrease. Healthcare providers often monitor these levels closely throughout pregnancy to ensure the dose remains effective. It is important not to start or stop taking seizure medication without medical advice, as uncontrolled seizures can be harmful to both the pregnant person and the baby.

Patients are encouraged to enroll in the North American Antiepileptic Drug (NAAED) Pregnancy Registry if they become pregnant while taking Keppra. This registry helps track the safety of seizure medications during pregnancy.

Breastfeeding

Levetiracetam is excreted in human breast milk. When deciding whether to breastfeed while taking this medication, healthcare providers consider the importance of the drug to the mother and the potential risks to the infant. It is important to monitor a breastfed infant for any unusual symptoms or changes in behavior.

Question 9

What forms and strengths does Keppra come in?

Accepted Answer

Keppra is primarily administered by mouth and comes in the following oral forms:

Immediate-release tablets: These are standard tablets taken multiple times per day.

Extended-release tablets: Known as Keppra XR, these tablets release the medication slowly over time and are typically taken once daily.

Oral solution: A liquid form of the medication, which is often used for children or individuals who have difficulty swallowing tablets.

For patients who are temporarily unable to take medication by mouth, Keppra is available as an injection:

Intravenous injection: This form is administered by a healthcare professional directly into a vein.

Question 10

What is the FDA approval status of Keppra?

Accepted Answer

FDA Approval and Indications

Keppra (levetiracetam) was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1999. It is currently approved for the treatment of several types of seizures, including:

Partial onset seizures in patients 1 month of age and older.

Myoclonic seizures in patients 12 years of age and older with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy.

Primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures in patients 6 years of age and older with idiopathic generalized epilepsy.

Safety Communications

In November 2023, the FDA issued a safety communication regarding a rare but serious drug reaction associated with levetiracetam called Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS). DRESS is a hypersensitivity reaction that may begin as a rash but can quickly progress to cause injury to internal organs, such as the liver, kidneys, or lungs. The FDA requires a warning about this risk to be included in the prescribing information for all levetiracetam products.

Regulatory Classification

Keppra is available only by prescription. It is not a controlled substance. While it does not have a boxed warning, the FDA requires the medication to be dispensed with a Medication Guide that explains the risks of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, which is a warning common to all antiseizure medications.

Question 11

What should I know about Keppra and withdrawal?

Accepted Answer

You should not stop taking Keppra abruptly without consulting your doctor. Stopping the medication suddenly can lead to several risks, including:

Increased Seizure Frequency: Your seizures may return or happen more often than before.

Status Epilepticus: This is a serious, life-threatening condition where seizures do not stop or occur in rapid succession without recovery in between.

To safely discontinue Keppra, healthcare providers typically recommend a gradual reduction in dosage. This tapering process helps minimize the risk of withdrawal-related seizures. Your doctor will provide a specific schedule to slowly lower the dose over time.

Even if you experience side effects, such as changes in mood or behavior, do not stop the medication until you have spoken with a medical professional to determine the safest way to proceed.

Keppra

Medication Quick Facts

📋Overview

What It's Used For

How It Works

Side Effects

Warnings & Precautions

Dosage & How to Take

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Forms & Strengths

FDA / Regulatory Status

Withdrawal Information

FAQ

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