Keppra is Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved as an effective treatment for epilepsy.
Its good safety record, unique way of working, and fewer reactions when used with other medications make it a suitable option for managing seizures.
About Keppra and how it works
Levetiracetam, the active ingredient in Keppra, works to control seizures, but scientists are still learning how it does this.
They believe it may stick to a protein called synaptic vesicle 2 glycoprotein (SV2A) that helps your brain cells send messages to each other by releasing chemicals. Levetiracetam appears to slow the message-sending process when it attaches to this protein, which can help stop seizures.
While its science might sound complex, think of it as calming the stormy seas of your brain’s electrical activity.
However, if you don’t have epilepsy, you might be wondering if Keppra could still be an option for you.
Can you take Keppra if you don’t have epilepsy?
Levetiracetam (Keppra) is only FDA-approved for managing epilepsy in adults and children over the age of 6 years. However, doctors might also prescribe Keppra for urgent seizure conditions, even if it does not have official approval for these uses. This is known as “off-label” use.
These include the management of seizures in:
- status epilepticus
- traumatic brain injuries
- specific types of stroke
- people receiving palliative care
This off-label use aims to provide quick seizure control, prevent potential seizure-related complications during recovery, and offer comfort and stability for people and their families in cases of advanced medical conditions.
However, consult a healthcare professional before considering any medication, including levetiracetam (Keppra).
Epileptic vs. nonepileptic seizures
Seizures can be upsetting and challenging, whether they are due to epilepsy or not.
However, epileptic and nonepileptic seizures require different approaches when considering treatment options and symptom management.
Unusual electrical activity in the brain causes epileptic seizures, whereas psychological factors may cause nonepileptic seizures.
If you’re experiencing seizures, getting the right diagnosis is the first step toward the best treatment.
How are they diagnosed?
Diagnosing seizures typically includes a detailed medical history, a neurological exam, and specific tests like an electroencephalogram.
This process helps pinpoint whether you’re likely to have epilepsy or another type of seizure disorder and can help medical professionals recommend a treatment plan.
Treatments for seizures
For epilepsy, options may include medications like levetiracetam (Keppra), lifestyle modifications, and sometimes surgery.
If epilepsy is not the cause of your seizures, the approach might involve addressing psychological conditions or other underlying causes. In both cases, treatments vary widely based on your specific circumstances.
Treatments for epilepsy
Medication does not cure epilepsy but can successfully control seizures in about 70% of cases. It is usually the first treatment approach for people with multiple seizures.
Choosing the right medication involves considering factors like:
- seizure type
- potential side effects
- other health conditions
- interactions with existing medications
- cost
It is crucial to discuss the benefits, side effects, and risks with a doctor before starting any treatment.
- Carbamazepine (Tegretol): Healthcare professionals often use carbamazepine (Tegretol) for focal seizures as it can help control the brain’s electrical activity.
- Lamotrigine (Lamictal): Lamotrigine (Lamictal) is versatile, treating a wide range of seizure types, and typically causes fewer side effects.
- Divalproex (Depakote): Doctors and healthcare professionals frequently use Divalproex (Depakote) for generalized seizures and is known for its broad efficacy.
- Levetiracetam (Keppra): As mentioned, healthcare professionals used levetiracetam (Keppra) for its effectiveness and minimal interaction with other drugs.
- Topiramate (Topamax): Topiramate (Topamax) is another option that can treat various types of seizures, and healthcare professionals may also sometimes use it for migraine.
Adopting certain lifestyle adaptations can also make a big difference. This could mean getting into a regular sleep routine, finding ways to manage stress, or making changes to your diet.
In cases where medication and lifestyle modifications don’t fully control the seizures, surgery might be an option.
| FDA drug safety communication In rare cases, if you are taking either levetiracetam (Keppra, Keppra XR, Elepsia XR, Spritam) or clobazam (Onfi, Sympazan) and notice an unexplained rash on your skin, have a fever, or if your lymph nodes become swollen, it is important to seek immediate medical advice. It could be a sign of a side effect that can harm your internal organs and, in severe situations, could lead to death. |
Treatments for nonepileptic seizures
If your seizures aren’t due to epilepsy, sometimes called nonepileptic seizures, the approach will be quite different.
These seizures can be due to stress or emotional and mental health conditions like anxiety or depression. Treatment options include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy: This is a type of psychotherapy that helps in managing the stress or psychological triggers of seizures.
- Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): SSRIs like sertraline (Zoloft) or fluoxetine (Prozac) can be effective in treating underlying conditions like depression or anxiety that might contribute to nonepileptic seizures.
- Counseling and supportive psychotherapy: These options provide emotional support and coping strategies to manage the psychological aspects of seizures.
If you need help covering the cost of medications, the free Optum Perks Discount Card could help you save up to 80% on prescription drugs. Follow the links on drug names for savings on that medication, or search for a specific drug here.
