What Is Levetiracetam Used For? (Cont.)

How Does Levetiracetam Work?

During a seizure, brain cells (neurons) may fire as many as 500 times per second, much faster than the normal rate of about 80 times per second. 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.
 

Levetiracetam Uses in Children

Levetiracetam is approved to treat partial seizures in children age four and older and generalized tonic-clonic (grand mal) seizures in children age six and older. For myoclonic seizures, it is approved for adolescents age 12 and over. Talk to your healthcare provider about the benefits and risks of using levetiracetam in children.
 

Off-Label Levetiracetam Uses

On occasion, your healthcare provider may recommend levetiracetam for something other than for the uses discussed above. At this time, off-label levetiracetam uses include:
 

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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;