Do not use this medication if you are allergic to levetiracetam.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have kidney disease. You may not be able to take levetiracetam, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.
FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
Levetiracetam can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Do not give this medication to a child younger than 6 years old without the advice of a doctor.
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the instructions on your prescription label.
Take the medication with a full glass of water.
Measure the liquid form of levetiracetam with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.
Levetiracetam can be taken with or without food.
It is important to use levetiracetam regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.
Do not stop taking levetiracetam without first talking to your doctor, even if you feel better. You may need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely. If you stop taking levetiracetam suddenly, you may have increased seizures.
Seizures are often treated with a combination of different drugs. To best treat your condition, use all of your medications as directed by your doctor. Be sure to read the medication guide or patient instructions provided with each of your medications. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without advice from your doctor.
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.
To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood may need to be tested on a regular basis. Your liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.
Store levetiracetam at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose,
skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time.
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 of these serious side effects:
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unusual thoughts or behavior;
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anxiety, hallucinations;
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feeling angry, hostile, or agitated;
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fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
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weakness, lack of coordination; or
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increasing or worsening seizures.
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur, such as:
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dizziness;
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drowsiness; or
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depressed mood.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
Do not stop taking levetiracetam without first talking to your doctor, even if you feel better. You may need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely. If you stop taking levetiracetam suddenly, you may have increased seizures.
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.
Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase some of the side effects of levetiracetam and may also increase the risk of seizures.
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.
Avoid using other medicines that make you sleepy (such as cold medicine, pain medication, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression or anxiety). They can add to sleepiness caused by levetiracetam.
There may be other drugs that can affect levetiracetam. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.
Seek emergency medical treatment if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
Symptoms of a levetiracetam overdose may include drowsiness, agitation, aggression, shallow breathing, weakness, or fainting.