Levetiracetam
NHS information about the medicine levetiracetam, including what it's used for, who can take it, how to take it and side effects.
What levetiracetam is for
Levetiracetam is used to prevent seizures caused by epilepsy.
It works by blocking the signals in your brain that can cause seizures.
How to take levetiracetam
Levetiracetam comes as tablets, granules, a liquid and that you swallow and tablets you dissolve in your mouth (orodispersible).
How much you need to take depends on what type of medicine it is. Your doctor will tell you when to take it and how much. Most people need to take it once or twice a day.
You may start on a low dose but your doctor may increase it over a few weeks until you reach a dose that works for you.
When taking levetiracetam:
- try to take it at the same time each time – if you take it twice a day, this could be once in the morning and once in the evening
- take it with or without food
- swallow tablets whole with a glass of water – do not chew or crush them
- swallow granules straight from the packet, do not chew them – drink water with the granules or afterwards
- use the syringe or spoon that comes with the liquid medicine to help you measure the right dose – you can dilute the liquid in water if you want to
- put orodispersible tablets on your tongue and leave to fully dissolve
Always check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine. Ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice if you're not sure how to take it or have any problems taking it.
Side effects of levetiracetam
Like all medicines, levetiracetam can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.
Common side effects
Common side effects of levetiracetam include:
- dizziness
- feeling sleepy or tired
- headaches
- difficulty controlling body movements
- feeling sick (nausea) or being sick (vomiting)
- shaking or tremors
- feeling agitated, irritable or aggressive
If you feel tired, sleepy or dizzy after taking levetiracetam, do not drive, ride a bike or use machinery until these symptoms have gone away.
More about side effects
These are not all the side effects of levetiracetam.
For a full list, see the leaflet that comes with your medicine or search for your medicine on the electronic medicines compendium website.
You can report any side effects you get on the Yellow Card website
Who can and cannot take levetiracetam
Most adults and children aged 1 month old and over can take levetiracetam.
But levetiracetam is not suitable for everyone. For example, it may not be suitable if:
- you've ever had an allergic reaction to or serious side effect from levetiracetam
- you have kidney problems
- you've had low mood (depression) or thoughts of harming or killing yourself
Before taking levetiracetam, tell your doctor if you have any other medical conditions.
Breastfeeding and levetiracetam
If you're breastfeeding, tell your doctor before taking levetiracetam.
Levetiracetam is not usually used while breastfeeding because the medicine can pass into your breast milk.
Your doctor will discuss it with you and may advise you to continue taking levetiracetam if the benefits to you outweigh the risks to your baby.
If you're taking levetiracetam while breastfeeding, speak to a healthcare professional or call NHS 111 if you have any concerns about your baby.
Pregnancy and levetiracetam
Tell your doctor if you're planning a pregnancy or you get pregnant while taking levetiracetam.
Levetiracetam can be used during pregnancy if needed. Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of taking it while you're pregnant.
If you need to take levetiracetam while you're pregnant, your doctor will prescribe the lowest possible effective dose. They may also advise you to take a higher dose of folic acid.
You may be advised to give birth in hospital so you and your baby can be closely monitored after you've given birth.
Taking levetiracetam with other medicines, food and drink
There are some medicines, herbal remedies and supplements that may not mix well with levetiracetam.
These include:
- macrogol, a laxative
- methotrexate, a medicine used to treat arthritis and other conditions
Do not use the herbal supplement St John's wort when taking levetiracetam.
Before you take levetiracetam, tell your doctor if you're taking any other medicines, herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.
Food and alcohol with levetiracetam
You can eat normally while taking levetiracetam.
But it's best not to drink alcohol while taking levetiracetam as it can increase the risk of side effects such as feeling sleepy.
Find out more about your medicine
To find out more about your medicine, you can:
- check the leaflet that comes with it
- search for your medicine leaflet on the electronic medicines compendium website
- check the information about levetiracetam on the Medicines for Children website
- speak to a pharmacist or doctor for advice – if you recently started taking it, you can get help with newly prescribed medicines from a pharmacist as part of the New Medicine Service
