Levetiracetam

A healthcare provider may prescribe levetiracetam to treat partial seizures, myoclonic, and generalized tonic clonic seizures in people with epilepsy. Levetiracetam is not intended to be used alone and is only approved for use in combination with other seizure medications. The medication comes in the form of a tablet, liquid, or as an injection. Potential side effects of the drug may include drowsiness, difficulty breathing, and agitation.

 

What Is Levetiracetam?

Levetiracetam (Keppra®) is a prescription medication used to treat epilepsy. In particular, levetiracetam is approved to treat the following types of seizures:
 
  • Partial seizures in adults and children age four and older
  • Myoclonic seizures in adults and adolescents age 12 and older

  • Generalized tonic clonic ("grand mal") seizures in adults and children age six and older.

     
Levetiracetam is approved only for use in combination with other seizure medications; it is not approved to be used alone.
 
(Click What Is Levetiracetam Used For? for more information on what the drug is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Levetiracetam?

Currently, levetiracetam is made by UCB, Inc.
 

How Does Levetiracetam Work?

Epilepsy is a brain disorder caused by recurring, brief changes in the brain's electrical system. These changes in brain activity can lead to a seizure (see Epilepsy Symptoms). It is not known exactly how levetiracetam works to prevent partial seizures in people with epilepsy. In fact, studies have shown that levetiracetam does not work like any other seizure medication.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;