KEPPRA (LEVETIRACETAM)

Treat and Prevent Seizures with Keppra

Keppra is an anticonvulsant drug prescribed to treat and prevent seizures in adults and children with epilepsy. There are several types of seizures that can present as momentary staring, blinking eyes, speaking nonsense words or sentences, or loss of consciousness and twitching or stiffening. Depending on the age of the individual and type of seizures being experienced, your doctor may suggest taking Keppra or Levetiracetam generic with other anticonvulsant drugs. The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

How Keppra Works

There are numerous nerve cells in our brain and nerves that are a source of communication through electrical activity. If this activity is not regulated, it can become quite rapid and repetitive which results in abnormal functioning and a seizure. Keppra works to stabilize the brains’ electrical activity to prevent the misfiring and over stimulated electrical signals by possibly binding to a certain protein and inhibiting calcium channels. This action allows Keppra to act as a neuromodulator and reduces the release of at least one known neurotransmitter known as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Keppra is a newer antiepileptic drug and the exact mechanism of action is not fully known.

Types of Seizures Keppra May Be Prescribed to Treat or Prevent

Partial or absence seizures may cause a person to pause from whatever activity they were doing and stare blankly for a few moments and then simply carry on with what they were doing. Some people may twitch or rapidly blink their eyes for a time and be slightly disoriented afterwards.

A grand mal seizure is what we all imagine a convulsion or fit to be. The person usually falls to the ground unconscious and stiffens for several seconds and begins to twitch and jerk for a minute or two. When it has ended, the person lays limps and slowly regains consciousness.

Before You Take Keppra

Ask your doctor about any risks when taking Keppra if you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breast feeding before you receive a prescription. Explain other medical conditions or allergies you have to your doctor and list any OTC or Rx medications you take, including herbal remedies and dietary or vitamin supplements so it can be determined if Keppra is safe for you to take.

Important Information Regarding Keppra

Until you know how you will react to taking Keppra, you should not drive, operate machinery, or perform any task that may be considered unsafe if you are impaired in any way. If you notice changes in mood or behavior in yourself or the person taking Keppra, seek medical advice as there is a risk of depression.

Possible Side Effects of Keppra

• Feeling weak or tired
• Dizzy
• Insomnia
• Abdominal pain