Roweepra vs. Sabril

Roweepra (levetiracetam) and Sabril (vigabatrin) are antiseizure (antiepileptic) drugs indicated for adjunctive therapy in the treatment of partial onset seizures in patients with epilepsy.

Roweepra is also used to treat myoclonic seizures in patients 12 years of age and older with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy, and primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures in patients 6 years of age and older with idiopathic generalized epilepsy.

The powder form of Sabril is also used to treat infantile spasms in babies and children between the ages of 1 month and 2 years.

Side effects of Roweepra and Sabril that are similar include drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue/tiredness, stuffy nose, and irritability.

Side effects of Roweepra that are different from Sabril include weakness, infection, aggression, and decreased appetite.

Side effects of Sabril that are different from Roweepra include headache, memory problems, weight gain, swelling anywhere in your body, numbness/burning pain/tingly feeling in your hands or feet, loss of coordination, joint pain, cold symptoms (such as fever, sneezing, sore throat), nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and sleep problems (insomnia).

Roweepra may interact with other drugs.

Sabril may interact with cold or allergy medicines, sedatives, narcotics, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, medicines for depression or anxiety, amiodarone, clonazepam, deferoxamine, ethambutol, hydroxychloroquine, phenytoin, tamoxifen, and steroids.

Antiepileptic drugs, including Roweepra, should be withdrawn gradually to minimize the potential of increased seizure frequency.

Common side effects of Roweepra include:

• drowsiness,
• weakness,
• infection, and
• dizziness.

Common side effects of Roweepra in children include:

• fatigue,
• aggression,
• stuffy nose,
• decreased appetite, and
• irritability.

Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), including Roweepra, increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior in patients taking these drugs for any indication. Tell your doctor if this occurs.

Common side effects of Sabril include:

• headache,
• irritability,
• dizziness,
• drowsiness,
• tiredness,
• memory problems,
• weight gain,
• swelling anywhere in your body,
• numbness/burning pain/tingly feeling in your hands or feet,
• loss of coordination,
• joint pain,
• cold symptoms (such as stuffy nose, fever, sneezing, sore throat),
• nausea,
• vomiting,
• diarrhea, or
• sleep problems (insomnia).

Tell your doctor if you have serious side effects of of Sabril including:

• any change in your vision, no matter how mild;
• back and forth eye movements you cannot control;
• tremors;
• pale skin, lightheadedness, shortness of breath, rapid heart rate, trouble concentrating;
• worsening seizures; or
• confusion, mood or behavior changes, depression, or thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

Roweepra (levetiracetam) is an antiseizure (antiepileptic) drug indicated for adjunctive therapy in the treatment of partial onset seizures in patients one month of age and older with epilepsy, myoclonic seizures in patients 12 years of age and older with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy, and primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures in patients 6 years of age and older with idiopathic generalized epilepsy. Roweepra is available in generic form.

Sabril (vigabatrin) is an anti-epileptic medication, also called an anticonvulsant, used in combination with other medications to treat complex partial seizures in adults and adolescents who are at least 16 years old. Sabril is usually given after other anti-epileptic medications have been tried without successful control of seizures. The powder form of Sabril is used to treat infantile spasms in babies and children between the ages of 1 month and 2 years.

Roweepra may interact with other drugs. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use.

Sabril may interact with cold or allergy medicines, sedatives, narcotics, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, medicines for depression or anxiety, amiodarone, clonazepam, deferoxamine, ethambutol, hydroxychloroquine, phenytoin, tamoxifen, or steroids. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use. During pregnancy, Sabril should be used only if prescribed.

The Roweepra dosing regimen depends on the indication, age group, dosage form (tablets or oral solution), and renal function.

The recommended dose of Sabril in adults is 3 g/day (1.5 g twice daily).