Description

What Is Levetiracetam 500mg?

Levetiracetam 500mg contains 500mg of levetiracetam. It helps to reduce the abnormal electrical activity associated with seizures. So it can help decrease the incidence of certain seizures when used as prescribed.

Most importantly, levetiracetam will control seizures, but not cure epilepsy. Therefore, patients should continue treatment as directed by their healthcare professional, even when feeling well.

What does Levetiracetam 500mg treat?

Doctors can prescribe it for a few seizure conditions. These include focal onset seizures, juvenile myoclonic epilepsy and primary generalised tonic-clonic seizures in age-appropriate groups.

But the right strength and treatment plan depends on the person’s age, seizure type, other medicines they take and how well their kidneys work. Therefore, patients should use this medicine only as per their prescription.

How to take Levetiracetam 500mg?

Levetiracetam 500mg Take exactly as your doctor tells you to. Immediate-release tablets are usually taken twice a day, with or without food. Your doctor may increase the dose slowly, depending on how you react and your medical needs.

Also try to take each dose at approximately the same time each day. If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue on your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Do not suddenly stop taking levetiracetam without medical advice. If you stop treatment suddenly, the risk of having seizures increases.

Side Effects Common

Levetiracetam 500mg may cause side effects, as with all medicines. Typical effects may include:

• Feeling sleepy or tired
• Lightheadedness
• Headache.
• Fragility
• Excitement
• Discombobulation
• Reduced appetite
• Diarrhoea or vomiting
• Balance or coordination issues

Not everyone feels these effects. However, contact your healthcare professional if side effects become severe or persistent.

Important Safety Information

Levetiracetam can sometimes cause changes in mood or behaviour. Therefore, patients and carers should be vigilant for unusual irritability, aggression, anxiety, depression or suicidal thoughts and seek medical advice promptly if these occur.

Dizziness and drowsiness may also occur. Be careful until you know how the medicine affects you.

If you have kidney problems, mood disorders or a history of suicidal thoughts, tell your doctor. Also discuss pregnancy, breastfeeding and all other medicines or supplements you take before starting treatment.

FAQs

What is Levetiracetam 500mg used for?

It is an antiseizure medication used to control certain types of seizures that are associated with epilepsy.

Can Levetiracetam 500mg prevent seizures?

If taken as directed, it may help control and reduce the frequency of certain seizures. But it does not cure epilepsy .

Can I just stop taking Levetiracetam 500mg?

No. Abrupt withdrawal may increase the risk of seizures. Any reduction in dose or discontinuation should be supervised by a healthcare professional.

Does Levetiracetam 500mg make you sleepy?

Yes. You might feel sleepy, dizzy, weak or tired. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how you are affected by this medication.

Should I take Levetiracetam 500mg with food?

Levetiracetam immediate release is usually taken with or without food. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Summary

Levetiracetam 500mg could be important in the management of some seizure disorders. But to be safe, it must be taken in the right dose, at the right intervals, and with proper medical supervision. So always follow your prescription and ask your doctor or chemist if you have any concerns about your treatment or about any symptoms.