Pronunciation: LEE-va-tye-RA-se-tam
Generic Name: Levetiracetam
Brand Name: Keppra XR
Keppra XR Extended-Release Tablets are used for:
Treating partial-onset seizures in patients with epilepsy. It is used in combination with other medicines. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Keppra XR Extended-Release Tablets are an anticonvulsant. Exactly how it works is not known, but it may work by slowing abnormal nerve impulses in the brain.
Do NOT use Keppra XR Extended-Release Tablets if:
- you are allergic to any ingredient in Keppra XR Extended-Release Tablets
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Before using Keppra XR Extended-Release Tablets:
Tell your health care provider if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
- if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
- if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
- if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
- if you have kidney problems or you are on dialysis
- if you have a history of mental or mood problems (eg, depression), or suicidal thoughts or actions
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Keppra XR Extended-Release Tablets. However, no specific interactions with Keppra XR Extended-Release Tablets are known at this time.
Ask your health care provider if Keppra XR Extended-Release Tablets may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
How to use Keppra XR Extended-Release Tablets:
Use Keppra XR Extended-Release Tablets as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
- Keppra XR Extended-Release Tablets comes with an extra patient information sheet called a Medication Guide. Read it carefully. Read it again each time you get Keppra XR Extended-Release Tablets refilled.
- Take Keppra XR Extended-Release Tablets by mouth with or without food.
- Swallow Keppra XR Extended-Release Tablets whole. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing.
- Keppra XR Extended-Release Tablets works best if it is taken at the same time(s) each day.
- Continue to take Keppra XR Extended-Release Tablets even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.
- If you miss a dose of Keppra XR Extended-Release Tablets, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Keppra XR Extended-Release Tablets.
Important safety information:
- Keppra XR Extended-Release Tablets may cause drowsiness or dizziness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Keppra XR Extended-Release Tablets with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
- Do not suddenly stop taking Keppra XR Extended-Release Tablets or your other seizure medicines. You may have an increased risk of side effects (eg, seizures). If you need to stop Keppra XR Extended-Release Tablets or add a new medicine, your doctor will gradually lower your dose.
- Contact your health care provider if your seizures become worse or if you have a new type of seizure.
- Patients who take Keppra XR Extended-Release Tablets may be at increased risk for suicidal thoughts or actions. The risk may be greater in patients who have had suicidal thoughts or actions in the past. Watch patients who take Keppra XR Extended-Release Tablets closely. Contact the doctor at once if new, worsened, or sudden symptoms such as depressed mood; anxious, restless, or irritable behavior; panic attacks; or any unusual changes in mood or behavior occur. Contact the doctor right away if any signs of suicidal thoughts or actions occur.
- Lab tests, including kidney function, may be performed while you use Keppra XR Extended-Release Tablets. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
- Use Keppra XR Extended-Release Tablets with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects.
- Keppra XR Extended-Release Tablets should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN younger than 16 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
- PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Keppra XR Extended-Release Tablets while you are pregnant. Keppra XR Extended-Release Tablets are found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Keppra XR Extended-Release Tablets.
Possible side effects of Keppra XR Extended-Release Tablets:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Dizziness; drowsiness; irritability; nausea; sore throat; tiredness; weakness.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); abnormal thoughts; dark urine; decreased coordination; extreme drowsiness, dizziness, tiredness, or weakness; fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; hallucinations; memory loss; mouth sores; new or worsening mental, mood, or behavior changes (eg, aggression, agitation, anger, anxiety, apathy, depression, hostility, irritability, panic attacks, restlessness); new or worsening seizures; suicidal thoughts or attempts; trouble sleeping; unusual bruising or bleeding; vision changes; yellowing of the skin or eyes.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.
See also: Keppra XR side effects (in more detail)
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include aggression; agitation; difficult or slow breathing; loss of consciousness; severe drowsiness.
Proper storage of Keppra XR Extended-Release Tablets:
Store Keppra XR Extended-Release Tablets at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Keppra XR Extended-Release Tablets out of the reach of children and away from pets.
General information:
- If you have any questions about Keppra XR Extended-Release Tablets, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- Keppra XR Extended-Release Tablets are to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
- If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
- Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.
This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Keppra XR Extended-Release Tablets. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
More Keppra XR resources
- Keppra XR Side Effects (in more detail)
- Keppra XR Dosage
- Keppra XR Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Drug Images
- Keppra XR Drug Interactions
- Keppra XR Support Group
- 9 Reviews for Keppra XR - Add your own review/rating
Compare Keppra XR with other medications
- Bipolar Disorder
- Epilepsy
- Hyperekplexia
- Neuralgia
- New Daily Persistent Headache
- Seizures
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