Keppra vs. Briviact

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Are Keppra and Briviactthe Same Thing?

Keppra (levetiracetam) and Briviact (brivaracetam) are anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) (anticonvulsants) used to treat types of seizures in people with epilepsy.

What Are Possible Side Effects of Keppra?

Common side effects of Keppra include:

  • drowsiness,
  • weakness,
  • infection,
  • loss of appetite,
  • stuffy nose,
  • tiredness, and
  • dizziness.

Side effects of Keppra in children include

  • sleepiness,
  • accidental injury,
  • hostility, nervousness, and
  • weakness.

What Are Possible Side Effects of Briviact?

Common side effects of Briviact include:

  • drowsiness,
  • sedation,
  • dizziness,
  • fatigue,
  • nausea,
  • vomiting,
  • loss of balance or coordination,
  • irritability, and
  • constipation

Antiepileptic drugs, including Briviact, may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior in patients taking these drugs. Tell your doctor immediately if this occurs.

What is Keppra?

Keppra (levetiracetam) is an anti-epileptic drug (AED) (antoconvulsant) often used in conjunction with other drugs to treat types of seizures in people with epilepsy.

What is Briviact?

Briviact (brivaracetam) is an antiepileptic drug (AED) indicated as adjunctive therapy in the treatment of partial-onset seizures in patients 16 years of age and older with epilepsy.

What Drugs Interact With Keppra?

Keppra may interact with alcohol.

What Drugs Interact With Briviact?

Briviact may interact with rifampin, carbamazepine, and phenytoin.

How Should Keppra Be Taken?

Keppra (levetiracetam) is available in pills in the following dosages and colors: 250 mg (blue), 500 mg (yellow), 750 mg (orange), and 1,000 mg (white). Keppra (levetiracetam) is also available as a clear, colorless grape-flavored liquid at a concentration of 100 mg/mL. Drug interactions include phenytoin, valproate, oral contraceptives, digoxin, warfarin, and probenecid. Keppra (levetiracetam) should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Keppra (levetiracetam) is excreted in breast milk. Women must talk to their doctors to decide whether to discontinue nursing or the drug.

How Should BriviactBe Taken?

The recommended starting dosage of Briviact is 50 mg twice daily. Based on individual patient tolerability and therapeutic response, the dosage of Briviact may be adjusted down to 25 mg twice daily (50 mg per day) or up to 100 mg twice daily (200 mg per day). Briviact may interact with rifampin, carbamazepine, and phenytoin. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use. Briviact is not recommended for use during pregnancy; it may harm a fetus. It is unknown if Briviact passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Disclaimer

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Any drug information published on RxList.com regarding general drug information, drug side effects, drug usage, dosage, and more are sourced from the original drug documentation found in its FDA drug monograph.

Drug information found in the drug comparisons published on RxList.com is primarily sourced from the FDA drug information. The drug comparison information found in this article does not contain any data from clinical trials with human participants or animals performed by any of the drug manufacturers comparing the drugs.

The drug comparisons information provided does not cover every potential use, warning, drug interaction, side effect, or adverse or allergic reaction. RxList.com assumes no responsibility for any healthcare administered to a person based on the information found on this site.

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You may also report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA by visiting the FDA MedWatch website or calling 1-800-FDA-1088.

References
Medical Editor: John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP

SOURCE:

RxList. Keppra Medication Guide.

https://www.rxlist.com/keppra-drug.htm#medguide

RxList. Briviact Medication Guide.

https://www.rxlist.com/briviact-drug.htm#medguide

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