This article describes possible side effects of Keppra. You can explore this overview article to learn more about Keppra, including the drug’s uses, side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.
Keppra is a brand-name medication that comes in the following forms:
- Keppra oral tablet, oral solution, and liquid solution for intravenous (IV) injection (an injection into your vein given over time)
- Keppra XR extended-release* oral tablet
Unless stated otherwise in this article, the term “Keppra” is used for all forms of the drug.
Keppra is available in a generic version called levetiracetam. This article describes possible side effects of Keppra.
* “Extended release” means the drug is slowly released into your body over a long period of time.
More common side effects of Keppra
Keppra may cause mild or serious side effects. Below are some of the more common side effects of this medication.
Commonly reported side effects of Keppra include:
- weakness
- dizziness
- headache
- increased risk of infection, such as the common cold or influenza (flu)
- mild sleepiness*
These side effects were reported in studies of Keppra oral tablet and oral solution, Keppra injection, and Keppra XR.
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of Keppra in detail” section below.
Mild side effects of Keppra
Keppra may cause certain mild side effects. Usually, mild side effects are temporary and can be easily managed. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have side effects that don’t go away or become bothersome.
Mild side effects of Keppra that occurred in studies include:
- weakness
- dizziness
- headache
- increased risk of infection, such as the common cold or influenza (flu)
- fatigue (low energy)
- stuffy nose
- mild sleepiness*
- mild allergic reaction*†
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of Keppra in detail” section below.
† An allergic reaction is possible with Keppra. It isn’t clear whether it was reported in the studies for Keppra oral tablet and oral solution, Keppra injection, or Keppra XR, but it has happened since the drug was approved for use.
These side effects were reported in studies of Keppra oral tablet and oral solution, Keppra injection, and Keppra XR.
Keppra may cause more mild side effects than those listed above. For details, see the prescribing information for Keppra oral tablet and oral solution, Keppra injection, and Keppra XR.
Serious side effects of Keppra
Keppra may cause certain serious side effects. If you have any serious side effects from Keppra, call your doctor right away. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency or your side effects feel life threatening, take immediate action. Call 911 or a local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.
After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Visit MedWatch’s website if you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Keppra.
Serious side effects of Keppra that occurred in studies include:
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of Keppra in detail” section below.
† An allergic reaction is possible with Keppra. It isn’t clear whether it was reported in the studies for Keppra oral tablet and oral solution, Keppra injection, or Keppra XR, but it has happened since the drug was approved for use.
These side effects were reported in studies of Keppra oral tablet and oral solution, Keppra injection, and Keppra XR.
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Side effects of Keppra in children
For children, doctors prescribe Keppra to treat certain seizures. The drug is used for this purpose in children ages 1 month and older.
In studies, the following side effects were more common in children than in adults:
These side effects were reported in studies of Keppra oral tablet and oral solution, Keppra injection, and Keppra XR.
If you’d like to know more about side effects in children taking Keppra, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Common questions about side effects of Keppra
Here are answers to some common questions about side effects of Keppra. If you have other questions, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Does Keppra cause long-term side effects?
Yes, in some cases Keppra may cause long-term side effects. These can lead to long lasting problems after you’ve stopped taking the drug.
Examples of long-term side effects reported with Keppra are severe skin reactions, such as toxic epidermal necrolysis and Stevens-Johnson syndrome. These side effects have been reported since Keppra became available. But it’s not clear how often this happened in studies of Keppra oral tablet and oral solution, Keppra injection, and Keppra XR. These side effects usually occur within 2 weeks after starting the drug but can happen months after you start treatment.
Talk with your doctor to learn more about these side effects and how to manage them. Ask your doctor for more information about how long these side effects of Keppra may last.
Do side effects of Keppra go away?
Yes, most likely. Usually, side effects of Keppra are short term and go away on their own. But the drug may cause certain long-term side effects in rare cases. See the question above to learn more.
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have other questions about how long the side effects of Keppra may last.
Side effects of Keppra in detail
Below you’ll find details on some of the side effects of Keppra.
Difficulty with coordination
In studies, difficulty with coordination was less common in people taking Keppra. This side effect is usually mild but may be serious. This side effect was reported in studies of Keppra oral tablet and oral solution, Keppra injection, and Keppra XR.
With coordination problems, you may have difficulty walking, speaking, or driving. This could affect your ability to drive or perform other tasks that require coordination.
The risk of coordination problems with Keppra may be highest during the first 4 weeks of treatment.
Ways to manage
Until you know how Keppra will affect you, it may be safest to avoid driving or performing other activities that require coordination. If you have long lasting difficulty with coordination while taking Keppra, talk with your doctor. They can tell you whether it’s safe to continue Keppra treatment.
Sleepiness
In studies, sleepiness was common in people taking Keppra. This side effect is usually mild but may be serious. This side effect was reported in studies of Keppra oral tablet and oral solution, Keppra injection, and Keppra XR.
With sleepiness, you may feel tired or drowsy during waking hours. This could affect your ability to drive or operate other heavy machinery.
The risk of sleepiness with Keppra may be highest during the first 4 weeks of treatment.
Ways to manage
It may be best to avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how Keppra will affect you. If you have bothersome or prolonged sleepiness with Keppra, tell your doctor. They can suggest ways to manage this side effect, such as lowering your dosage to see if it helps ease sleepiness.
Withdrawal seizures
Suddenly stopping Keppra treatment may cause withdrawal seizures. These seizures may occur more often or be more severe than the seizures you were taking the drug to treat.
Withdrawal seizures weren’t reported in studies of Keppra oral tablet and oral solution, Keppra injection, or Keppra XR. But this is a known risk of medications used to treat seizures, including Keppra.
Ways to manage
It’s important that you talk with your doctor before you stop taking Keppra. When they tell you it’s safe to stop taking the drug, they’ll slowly lower your Keppra dosage over time. Doing so will reduce your risk of withdrawal seizures after the drug is stopped.
Your doctor can recommend whether you should switch to a different seizure treatment after stopping Keppra.
For some people, Keppra can cause an allergic reaction. It isn’t clear whether this was reported in the studies for Keppra oral tablet and oral solution, Keppra injection, or Keppra XR, but allergic reactions have happened since the drug was approved for use.
Symptoms can be mild or serious, and they may include:
- itchiness
- skin rash
- swelling under the skin, usually affecting eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
- swelling of the mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe
- flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)
In addition, life threatening allergic skin reactions have happened in people taking Keppra since the drug was approved. These reactions include toxic epidermal necrolysis and Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Call 911 or go to the closest emergency room if you develop symptoms of these reactions, as they require immediate treatment. Symptoms may include a severe, blistering or peeling rash and flu-like symptoms.
Ways to manage
For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep taking the medication.
For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Keppra, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication instead.
Warnings for Keppra
Below are some factors you may want to discuss with your doctor before taking Keppra.
Warnings
It may not be safe for you to take Keppra if you have specific health conditions. These are sometimes called drug-condition interactions. Other things may also affect whether Keppra is a safe treatment option for you.
Before taking Keppra, tell your doctor about your health. Things to consider include:
Keppra and pregnancy
It’s not known whether Keppra should be taken during pregnancy. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.
If you take Keppra during pregnancy, your doctor may advise you to join the drug’s pregnancy registry. This registry collects information about the risks and benefits of taking Keppra while pregnant. To learn more, talk with your doctor. You can also visit the registry website or call 888-233-2334.
Keppra and breastfeeding
It’s not known whether Keppra should be taken while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.
Keppra is not known to interact with alcohol. However, drinking alcohol while taking Keppra may worsen certain side effects of the drug. Examples include sleepiness, dizziness, and difficulty with coordination.
If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about whether it’s safe to consume it during your treatment with Keppra.
What to ask your doctor
This article describes common and serious side effects of Keppra. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they can discuss possible side effects with you. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about treatment with this medication.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- Are there any side effects of Keppra I should tell you about right away?
- Does my health history increase my risk of side effects from Keppra?
- How do the side effects of Keppra compare with those of other drugs used to treat seizures?
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
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