Levetiracetam

Like all medications, Levetiracetam may cause some possible side effects but not everyone experiences them. Consult your healthcare professional if any of the side effects lasts more than a few days or become severe and bothersome.

The common side effects of Levetiracetam include:

• Dizziness
• Get up slowly from sitting or lying down position
  
• Drowsiness
• Avoid driving, operating machinery or doing strenuous physical activities
• Diarrhoea
• Drink more water to keep hydrated
• Nausea, vomiting
• Take the medicine with or after food to reduce nausea and vomiting
• Avoid food that is too rich, spicy or has strong smells
• Do not take it with carbonated drinks
• Headache
• Loss of appetite
• Neck pain, tingling or prickling sensation on skin

• Blistering, peeling, red skin rash due to Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN)
• SJS and TEN are rare and serious skin reactions. Symptoms include face swelling, blisters on skin, skin rashes that spread within hours to days. Areas such as the mouth, eyes, genitals are commonly involved.
• It usually occurs within the first few months (monitor closely for the first 3 months) of treatment.
• As SJS and TEN progress rapidly, please consult your healthcare professional if you show the first sign of rash.
• Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there), depression, aggression, irritability
• Problems in balance/ coordination, unsteadiness in movement
• Unusual bleeding and bruising
• Prolonged fever, sore throat and mouth sores
• Decrease in kidney function: low urine volume, tiredness, nausea, vomiting, confusion, swelling of legs, ankles or feet

In rare cases, this medication may cause the following changes to a person's mental condition, especially in the first few weeks of treatment or during dose changes:

• Worsening agitation, restlessness, violent behaviour, or
• New or worsening thoughts of harming yourself or ending your life
  
• Other changes in mood or behavior 

Please inform your doctor as soon as possible, or for your family or caregiver to inform your doctor if you are unable to seek treatment on your own.

Do not stop taking this medication on your own without discussing with your doctor.

It is important to note that your doctor has prescribed this medication as he/she feels you will benefit more from taking this medication over the possible risks that it may cause, which have a low chance of occurring, and most people take this medication without any such problems.

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
  
• Difficulty in breathing
  
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body
  

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

​Inform your healthcare professionals if you have the following medical conditions before starting on Levetiracetam:

• Kidney problems
• Any symptoms of depression and/or suicidal ideation
• Drug allergies

For female patients of child-bearing age: Discuss with your doctor regarding family planning if you will be starting or currently taking Levetiracetam.

Consult your healthcare professional immediately if your seizures get worse or become different after you have started this medication.

​Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication.

• Follow the instructions on your medication label and take the medication as prescribed by your doctor.
• You may take this medication with or without food.
• If you are taking the tablets, swallow them with a glass of water.
• If you are using oral syrup, shake the bottle well before using. Use a medicine spoon or graduated syringe provided to measure your medication. Do not use household spoons as they may not be accurate. The oral solution may be diluted in some water before taking.
• You may not experience any benefits immediately after starting the medication as it may take up to a few weeks before this medication can exert its full effects. You should continue to take your medication regularly as instructed by your doctor even if you feel well. Stopping your medication without informing your healthcare professional may cause your condition to become worse quickly.
• Do not stop taking or adjust the dose of this medication without consulting your healthcare professional.

If you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If its almost time for your next dose, take only the usual dose. Do not double your dose or use extra medicine or make up for the missed dose.

Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin.