Brand Names: Keppra, Keppra XR

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

• What is levetiracetam (Keppra XR)?
• What are the possible side effects of levetiracetam (Keppra XR)?
• What is the most important information I should know about levetiracetam (Keppra XR)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking levetiracetam (Keppra XR)?
• How should I take levetiracetam (Keppra XR)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Keppra XR)?
• What happens if I overdose (Keppra XR)?
• What should I avoid while taking levetiracetam (Keppra XR)?
• What other drugs will affect levetiracetam (Keppra XR)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is levetiracetam (Keppra XR)?

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

Levetiracetam 1000 mg-TEV

oval, white, imprinted with 7493, 9 3

Levetiracetam 250 mg-TEV

oval, blue, imprinted with 7285, 9 3

Levetiracetam 500 mg-ROX

oblong, peach, imprinted with 54 636

Levetiracetam 500 mg-TEV

oval, yellow, imprinted with 7286, 9 3

Levetiracetam 750 mg-TEV

oval, orange, imprinted with 7287, 9 3

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

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.

Read the Keppra XR (levetiracetam extended-release tablets) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects »

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

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.

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.

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.