Pill Identifier Search

May 27, 2012

Keppra

Seizures Symptoms and Types »

Generalized seizures

There are six types of generalized seizures. The most common and dramatic, and therefore the most well known, is the generalized convulsion, also called the grand-mal seizure. In this type of seizure, the patient loses consciousness and usually collapses. The loss of consciousness is followed by generalized body stiffening (called the "tonic" phase of the seizure) for 30 to 60 seconds, then by violent jerking (the "clonic" phase) for 30 to 60 seconds, after which the patient goes into a deep sleep (the "postictal" or after-seizure phase). During grand-mal seizures, injuries and accidents may occur, such as tongue biting and urinary incontinence.

Absence seizures cause a short loss of consciousness (just a few seconds) with few or no symptoms. The patient, most often a child, typically interrupts an activity and stares blankly. These seizures begin and end abruptly and may occur several times a day. Patients are usu...

Read the Seizures Symptoms and Types article »

« Previous
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Next »

Keppra User Reviews >>

Keppra

View the Epilepsy Slideshow

Brain Disorders Image Collection and Image Gallery

Take the Epilepsy (Seizure Disorder) Quiz

font size

Keppra Patient Information Including Side Effects

Brand Names: Keppra, Keppra XR

Generic Name: levetiracetam (Pronunciation: LEE ve tye RA se tam)

What is levetiracetam (Keppra)?

Levetiracetam is an anti-epileptic drug.

Levetiracetam is used to treat partial onset seizures in adults and children who are at least 4 years old.

Levetiracetam is also used to treat tonic-clonic seizures in adults and children who are at least 6 years old, and myoclonic seizures in adults and children who are at least 12 years old.

Levetiracetam may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Keppra 250 mg

oblong, blue, imprinted with ucb 250

Keppra 500 mg

oblong, yellow, imprinted with ucb 500

Keppra 750 mg

oblong, orange, imprinted with ucb 750

What are the possible side effects of levetiracetam (Keppra)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood or behavior changes, depression, anxiety, or if you feel agitated, hostile, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

hallucinations;
fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
weakness, lack of coordination;
increasing or worsening seizures; or
nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Less serious side effects may include:

dizziness, spinning sensation;
drowsiness;
feeling irritable;
headache;
runny nose, sore throat; or
neck pain.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about levetiracetam (Keppra)?

Do not stop taking levetiracetam without first talking to your doctor, even if you feel better. If you stop taking levetiracetam suddenly, you may have increased seizures. Tell your doctor if you have new or worsening seizures.

You may have thoughts about suicide while taking this medication. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

Carry an ID card or wear a medical alert bracelet stating that you are taking levetiracetam, in case of emergency. Any doctor, dentist, or emergency medical care provider who treats you should know that you are taking levetiracetam.

Levetiracetam can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

Related Drug Centers