KEPPRA LIQUID (LEVETIRACETAM)

Keppra Liquid Description

Keppra Liquid is an oral anticonvulsant medication prescribed to treat seizures mainly in pediatric or adolescent patients. A prescription from a physician will be required for Keppra Liquid or the generic alternative, with dosage determined by weight for younger children. The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

Epilepsy is a seizure disorder involving the nervous system which can take on a number of different forms. Your doctor will evaluate your condition and the type of seizures you are experiencing to determine the appropriate treatment and medication to be used.

What Keppra Liquid Does

Keppra Liquid is a newer antiepileptic drug that seems to work a little differently than other medications for preventing or treating seizures. When given as directed, Levetiracetam binds to a glycol (sugar) protein and through a series of events, will act as a neuromodulator in order to reduce the release of a neurotransmitter (brain chemical). These actions result in the stabilization of electrical activity in the brain so there is no seizure.

Epilepsy and Risk Factors

Various types of epileptic seizures can be treated with Keppra Liquid, including myoclonic seizures, partial-onset seizures, and generalized tonic-clonic seizures. A seizure occurs when the brain experiences an unexpected flow of electrical activity. This excess electrical activity is triggered by chemical alterations in the brain's nerve cells. It should be noted that this medication will not cure epilepsy.

Various conditions can affect the brain and prompt epilepsy, such as brain tumors, brain injuries, lead poisoning, infections, abnormal blood vessels in the brain, and genetic conditions. Treatment for epilepsy can include therapy, drugs, and in rare cases, surgery.

Before You Take Keppra Liquid

Before your doctor prescribes Keppra Liquid, provide information regarding other medical conditions, particularly those affecting the kidneys or liver. Your doctor should also be notified of any mental conditions that your child may have experienced in the past or are currently dealing with.

Your doctor should be made aware of any other medications or supplements that you currently administer to your child. Some herbal remedies, such as St. John's Wort, may alter the level of Keppra Liquid in the blood and possibly make it more likely that a seizure will occur.

Proper Use of Keppra Liquid

Until you know how Keppra Liquid will affect the patient, limit any activities that may be considered unsafe if there is any impairment involving alertness or balance. Do not abruptly stop Keppra Liquid or change the dosage unless instructed by your doctor, as doing so could trigger seizures. When first starting Keppra Liquid, it may take a few weeks before any benefits are noticed as dosages may need adjusted until the full effect is reached.

Possible Side Effects of Keppra Liquid

• Weakness, fatigue
• Reduced appetite
• Headache, dizziness
• Stuffy

Possible serious side effects associated with Keppra Liquid include bruising, unusual behavior/thoughts, severe tingling, muscle weakness, numbness, pain, extreme weakness or tiredness, fever, chills, and sores in your throat and mouth. These should be reported to your doctor as soon as possible.