About Levetiracetam 500 mg Tablet
Levetiracetam 500 mg Tablet contains Levetiracetam 500 mg. This is an anti-epileptic medicine used to control seizures (fits) in epilepsy, on its own or with other seizure medicines. It is taken every day to prevent seizures. Do not stop it suddenly, as this can bring on seizures.
Uses of Levetiracetam 500 mg Tablet
- Partial-onset (focal) seizures, with or without spreading
- Myoclonic seizures (with other medicines)
- Generalised tonic-clonic seizures (with other medicines)
Benefits
In epilepsy
Taken regularly, it can reduce how often seizures happen, and in some people stop them altogether. This can help you live more safely and confidently. It controls seizures but does not cure epilepsy.
Side effects
Most side effects are mild and settle as your body gets used to the medicine. Talk to your doctor if any of them bother you or do not go away.
Common
- Drowsiness
- Tiredness
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Irritability or mood changes
- Common cold-like symptoms
Get medical help if you notice
- New or worsening low mood, anxiety, agitation, unusual behaviour or thoughts of self-harm — contact your doctor straight away
- Seizures that become more frequent or longer — get medical help
- Severe skin rash with blistering, peeling, mouth ulcers or fever — stop and get medical help straight away
- Allergic reaction: rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or throat, or difficulty breathing — seek emergency care
How to use
Take it exactly as your doctor prescribed, usually twice a day at about the same times. Swallow the tablet whole with water; it can be taken with or without food. Do not stop it suddenly.
How it works
It binds to a protein in nerve cells (SV2A) that controls the release of chemical messengers. This helps calm excess electrical activity in the brain that leads to seizures.
Safety advice
Alcohol Unsafe
Avoid alcohol. It can increase drowsiness and may make seizures more likely.
Pregnancy Consult your doctor
Talk to your doctor before planning a pregnancy. Do not stop taking it on your own if you become pregnant, as seizures can harm you and the baby.
Breastfeeding Consult your doctor
It passes into breast milk. Ask your doctor before breastfeeding.
Driving Caution
It can cause drowsiness. Follow your doctor's advice and local rules on driving with epilepsy.
Kidney Caution
Your doctor will adjust the dose if you have kidney disease.
Liver Caution
Your doctor may adjust the dose in severe liver disease.
If you miss a dose
If you miss a dose, take it when you remember. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Do not take two doses together.
Quick tips
- Do not stop taking it suddenly — this can trigger seizures. Your doctor will reduce the dose slowly if needed.
- Take it at the same times each day.
- Tell your doctor about any change in mood or behaviour.
- Keep a record of any seizures to share with your doctor.
Substitutes
Same salts in the same strength from other makers. Only switch brands on your doctor's or pharmacist's advice; our pharmacist checks every order against the prescription.
Fact box
- Chemical class
- Pyrrolidine derivative
- Therapeutic class
- Neurology
- Action class
- Anti-epileptic (SV2A ligand)
- Habit forming
- No
- Prescription
- Required
Interactions with other medicines
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin and herbal product you take.
| Medicine | What can happen |
|---|---|
| Alcohol, sedatives, sleeping pills | Increased drowsiness |
| Methotrexate | Levels of methotrexate may rise |
| Macrogol laxatives | May reduce absorption if taken within 1 hour |
This page is general information to help you understand your medicine. It is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop or change a medicine on your own.
Written by the Asthra Health Care team from the approved prescribing information (Levetiracetam prescribing information (CDSCO-approved labelling); NICE BNF: levetiracetam). Pharmacist review pending.