Generic Keppra Is an Effective Epilepsy Medication

Working

The exact mechanism, by which Generic Keppra acts to treat epilepsy, is not clearly understood. However, it is believed that its active drug Levetiracetam adheres to a synaptic vesicle glycoprotein and negates the function of presynaptic calcium channels, thereby reducing a neurotransmitter release. The drug also works as a neuromodulator. In simple words, Levetiracetam works on certain brain chemicals to obstruct impulse conduction across many synapses, thereby preventing the attacks of epilepsy.

Dose

• Please follow all directions recommended by your physician while using Generic Keppra. It is better to read the patient information leaflet in order to use the drug aptly.
• For patients above 12 years of age, doctors prescribe Generic Keppra 1000 mg once daily in the initial stages of the treatment and then 500 mg twice daily.
• Do not crush, split or chew the pill; doing so may reduce the efficacy, so it is important to take a whole tablet with water.
• It is imperative to take the medicine regularly so that you can reap the most out of it. Please note that you have to take the dose at the same time each day without fail.
• Do not stop the treatment without seeking permission from your physician. If you stop it suddenly, there is a risk of seizure aggravation.
• Immediately seek medical attention if you experience a seizure attack during the course of therapy.

Side Effects

• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Unexplained fatigue
• Generalized weakness

The above-mentioned side effects are common during the first initial four weeks of the therapy. Over time, they subside as your body adapts the drug. If any unwanted side effects persist, check with your doctor immediately. Many patients who use Generic Keppra do not often experience any severe adverse effects.

Precautions

• Prior to using Generic Keppra, inform your physician if you have any drug allergies. This epilepsy medicine may contain certain inactive drug that may give rise to allergic reactions.
• Before using this seizure medication, inform your physician about your medical history, such as liver/kidney dysfunction, mood/mental disorders, anxiety, depression, or any other issue.
• Levetiracetam can make you feel drowsy or dizzy during the initial stages of the therapy. So, you must stay away from driving, riding, operating a machine, or doing things that need your mental alertness. More impotently, stay away from alcoholic beverages and illicit drugs.
• Prior to undergoing any type of surgery, bet it minor or major, inform your physician or dentist about using Generic Keppra, or any other prescription/OTC drugs or herbal products/supplements.

Warnings

• Teenagers are more sensitive to the adverse effects of Generic Keppra, so they are more vulnerable to mood changes, aggressive behavior, agitation, irritability, anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts. If you notice a teenager is experiencing any of these side effects, seek medical attention right away.
• Elder people using Generic Keppra are also sensitive to the drug’s side effects, especially drowsiness, dizziness, or even loss of coordination. These side effects can increase the risk of accidental falling.
• In case of pregnancy, the drug Levetiracetam is ought to be used only when recommended by a doctor. It may harm an unborn baby. However, if epilepsy is left untreated, it can harm a pregnant woman and her unborn baby, so do not stop the treatment unless a doctor recommends.
• If you think you are pregnant and planning pregnancy, first check with your physician about the benefits and risks of using Generic Keppra.
• Generic Keppra may pass into breast milk, so breast-feeding mothers should be very careful. It is better to consult with a physician before breast-feeding.

Faqs