Levetiracetam

In Aotearoa New Zealand, levetiracetam is available in different strength tablets (250 mg, 500 mg, 750 mg and 1 gram) and as a liquid syrup. It also comes as an injection which may be used in hospital or for people who can't take tablets or the liquid. 

• The dose of levetiracetam will be different for different people.
• Your doctor will usually start you on a low dose and increase it slowly over a few weeks.
• Levetiracetam is usually taken twice a day but sometimes when starting levetiracetam it may be taken once a day for a week. 
• Always take your levetiracetam exactly as your doctor has told you. The pharmacy label on your medicine will tell you how much to take, how often to take it, and any special instructions.

• Swallow your tablets with a glass of water, milk or juice: Don't chew the tablets.
• If swallowing the tablets is a problem, ask your pharmacist about using the liquid syrup. Alternatively, you can crush the tablets and mix ithem with about 2 tablespoons of fruit juice or soft food (eg, yoghurt, honey or jam). Swallow all of the food or drink straight away. Note: the crushed tablets may have an unpleasant taste.
• Timing: Take your dose at the same times each day, to help you to remember to take it. Levetiracetam is usually taken 2 times a day, in the morning and the evening. If you're taking levetiracetam once a day, it can be taken in the morning or evening. You can take levetiracetam with or without food.
• Missed dose: If you forget to take your dose, take it as soon as you remember if it's within 4 hours of when your dose was due. But if more than 4 hours have passed since when the dose was due, just take the next dose at the right time. Don't take double the dose.
• Keep taking levetiracetam every day:  See tips to help you remember to take your medicines regularly. It may take a few weeks before you notice the full benefits of levetiracetam. Don't stop taking levetiracetam suddenly; talk to your doctor or nurse before stopping.

Here are some things to know when you're taking levetiracetam. Other things may be important as well, so ask your healthcare provider what you need to know.

• Levetiracetam may cause dizziness or drowsiness: This is more likely when you first start taking levetiracetam or when your dose is increased. Don't drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you. Children shouldn't ride a bike, climb trees or do anything else that could be dangerous if they're feeling drowsy or sleepy.
• Other medicines: Levetiracetam may interact with some other medicines and herbal supplements, so check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting levetiracetam and before starting any new medicines or products.
• Keep taking levetiracetam every day: It may take a few weeks before you notice the full benefits of levetiracetam. Don't stop taking levetiracetam suddenly; talk to your doctor or nurse before stopping. See tips to help you remember to take your medicines regularly. 
• Contraception: Use effective contraception (eg, condoms and another kind) for the whole time you're taking levetiracetam. Read more about epilepsy and contraception.

If you are planning a pregnancy

• It's important to contact your doctor 6 to 12 months before you want to become pregnant. Read more about epilepsy and pregnancy.
• If you become pregnant, contact your doctor immediately but don't stop taking levetiracetam until you've discussed it with them. There are risks to yourself and your unborn child from uncontrolled epilepsy. 
• For more information, read:
  • medicines for epilepsy, mental health and pain can harm your unborn baby(external link)
  • epilepsy medicines and pregnancy(external link)

Like all medicines, levetiracetam can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. If you're concerned about any symptoms you think might be related to your medicine, talk to your healthcare provider. The following information offers some guidance but doesn't include all possible side effects.

Common side effects

Tell your healthcare provider if these side effects bother you.

• Problems with dizziness and drowsiness. Up to 1 in 3 people experience dizziness or drowsiness. Be careful when driving or using tools until you know how this medicine affects you. Also be careful when getting up from either lying down or sitting. The loss of balance and dizziness can put you at risk of falls and injuries, especially if you’re and older adult. Avoid drinking alcohol while you're taking gabapentin. This can make dizziness and drowsiness worse. 
• Stomach upset, feeling sick (nausea). Try taking levetiracetam with food.
• Headache.

Tell your healthcare provider immediately or phone Healthline free on 0800 611 116 if these occur

• Suicidal thoughts, anxiety, depression.

Phone 111 for an ambulance or go to your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) clinic if these occur

• Signs of an allergic reaction such as itchy skin, and rash, swollen lips or tongue, problems breathing, like a tight chest or shortness of breath.
   

Read more about medicines and side effects and reporting a reaction you think might be a side effect.