Question 1

What is Keppra XR?

Accepted Answer

Keppra XR is an extended-release form of the medication levetiracetam, which belongs to a group of drugs known as antiepileptics. It works by stabilizing electrical signals and decreasing abnormal excitement within the brain.

This formulation is designed to release the active medicine slowly over time. By regulating nerve cell activity, it helps to control the occurrence of seizures.

Question 2

What is Keppra XR used for?

Accepted Answer

Keppra XR is used to treat partial-onset seizures .

Question 3

How does Keppra XR work?

Accepted Answer

Mechanism of Action

The exact way Keppra XR works to prevent seizures is not fully understood. However, research suggests that it binds to a specific protein in the brain known as synaptic vesicle protein 2A (SV2A). This protein is involved in how nerve cells release neurotransmitters, which are the chemical messengers used for communication between brain cells.

By interacting with this protein, the medication is believed to help regulate the release of these chemicals. This process helps to:

Prevent sudden, abnormal bursts of electrical activity in the brain.

Reduce the likelihood of a seizure occurring.

Stabilize nerve cell signals.

Unlike many other anti-seizure medications, Keppra does not appear to work directly on the most common inhibitory or excitatory neurotransmitter systems in the brain.

Extended-Release Delivery

The "XR" in Keppra XR stands for extended-release. This means the tablet is specially formulated to release the active ingredient, levetiracetam, slowly into the bloodstream over a 24-hour period. This slow-release mechanism helps maintain a consistent level of the drug in the body, which provides steady protection against seizures throughout the day and allows for once-daily dosing.

Question 4

What are the active ingredients in Keppra XR?

Accepted Answer

The active ingredient in Keppra XR is Levetiracetam .

Question 5

What are the side effects of Keppra XR?

Accepted Answer

Common side effects of Keppra XR may include:

somnolence

dizziness

fatigue

and others

Always consult with a healthcare professional about potential side effects.

Question 6

What drug class is Keppra XR?

Accepted Answer

Keppra XR belongs to the antiepileptic drug class.

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

How to Take Keppra XR

Keppra XR is an extended-release tablet taken by mouth, usually once daily. It can be taken with or without food. To help you remember your dose, try to take it at the same time each day.

Administration

Swallow tablets whole: Do not crush, chew, or break the tablets. They are designed to release the medication slowly into your body over time. Breaking the tablet may cause too much medicine to be released at once.

Missed Dose

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

Important Considerations

Continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Do not stop taking it suddenly without talking to a healthcare provider, as this may cause your seizures to return or worsen. Always ensure you have a sufficient supply of medication so that you do not miss any doses.

Question 8

Is Keppra XR safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Accepted Answer

Pregnancy

If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it is important to discuss the risks and benefits of Keppra XR with your healthcare provider. This medication should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Because seizure control is vital for the health of both the pregnant person and the fetus, you should not start or stop taking this medication without medical supervision.

During pregnancy, physiological changes in the body may affect the concentration of levetiracetam in the blood. Healthcare providers may monitor these levels and adjust the dosage as necessary to ensure the medication remains effective.

There is a North American Antiepileptic Drug (NAAED) Pregnancy Registry that monitors outcomes in individuals who take seizure medications while pregnant. Healthcare providers often encourage patients to enroll in this registry to help improve the understanding of how these drugs affect pregnancy.

Breastfeeding

Levetiracetam, the active ingredient in Keppra XR, is excreted in human breast milk. Because of the potential for side effects in a nursing infant, a decision must be made whether to stop breastfeeding or stop the medication, depending on how essential the drug is to the mother's health.

Consult with a healthcare professional to discuss the risks and benefits of breastfeeding while using Keppra XR to determine the safest approach for you and your baby.

Question 9

What forms and strengths does Keppra XR come in?

Accepted Answer

Keppra XR is provided in the following form:

Extended-release oral tablets: These are film-coated tablets designed to release the medication slowly into the system over time.

This extended-release formulation is distinct from immediate-release versions of the medication, which may be available as standard tablets, oral solutions, or injections. Keppra XR tablets are intended to be swallowed whole and should not be crushed or chewed, as this would interfere with the controlled-release mechanism.

Question 10

What is the FDA approval status of Keppra XR?

Accepted Answer

FDA Approval and Indications

Keppra XR (levetiracetam extended-release) is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as adjunctive therapy for the treatment of partial-onset seizures. It is indicated for use in patients with epilepsy who are at least 12 years of age.

Major Safety Communications

In December 2023, the FDA issued a safety communication warning that levetiracetam products, including Keppra XR, can cause a rare but serious immune system reaction known as Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS). This condition may begin as a rash but can quickly progress to affect internal organs and may be life-threatening.

As a result of these findings, the FDA required the manufacturer to add new warnings regarding DRESS to the prescribing information and the patient Medication Guide. This safety concern was identified through the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS).

Regulatory Status and Monitoring

Keppra XR is a prescription-only medication. While it does not have a boxed warning, the FDA requires a Medication Guide to be dispensed with every prescription. This guide includes standard class-wide warnings for antiepileptic drugs, such as the risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors. The FDA continues to monitor the safety profile of levetiracetam through post-marketing surveillance.

Question 11

What should I know about Keppra XR and withdrawal?

Accepted Answer

Risks of Sudden Discontinuation

Stopping Keppra XR suddenly can cause serious medical issues. It is important to continue taking the medication as prescribed, even if you feel fine or believe you no longer need it. Abruptly ending treatment can lead to the following complications:

Increased Seizures: Abruptly stopping the medication may cause seizures to return or occur more frequently than they did before starting treatment.

Status Epilepticus: In some cases, sudden withdrawal can lead to status epilepticus, a life-threatening condition where seizures do not stop or occur so frequently that the person does not regain consciousness between them.

Gradual Dose Reduction

If treatment with Keppra XR needs to be discontinued, healthcare providers typically recommend a gradual reduction in dosage rather than stopping all at once. This tapering process helps the brain adjust and minimizes the risk of increased seizure activity. Always follow the specific tapering schedule provided by your doctor and do not change your dose without medical supervision.

Keppra XR

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

Additional Resources

Support & Help Resources

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