Keppra 500 mg Tablet

Dr. Emily Brown

Dr. Ryan Mitchell

## What is Keppra 500 mg tablet

Keppra 500 mg tablet is a prescription-only medicine used to control and prevent seizures in adults and adolescents aged 16 years and above with Epilepsy. It contains Levetiracetam (500 mg), an FDA-approved antiepileptic (anticonvulsant). UCB Pharmaceuticals manufactures this Epilepsy medication in a GMP-compliant facility.

Levetiracetam attaches to the Synaptic Vesicle Protein 2A (SV2A), a protein involved in nerve signaling in the brain. This helps regulate abnormal electrical activity between nerve cells, reducing the likelihood of seizures. Keppra is commonly prescribed for partial-onset seizures, myoclonic seizures, and primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures.

Usually, one 500 mg pill is taken twice daily, or as suggested by your medical expert. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you recall. But omit the missed dose if it is already the time of your next scheduled dose. An overdose can result in severe drowsiness, dizziness, loss of coordination, and agitation, requiring immediate medical care.

Possible adverse effects of this antiepileptic medicine include drowsiness, dizziness, headache, fatigue, weakness, irritability, and loss of appetite. Contact your medical expert if you experience severe allergic reactions, unusual mood changes, Depression, suicidal thoughts, or difficulty breathing.

Do not use Keppra if you are allergic to Levetiracetam. Use it with caution in people with kidney impairment, as dose adjustments may be required. Do not stop taking this Levetiracetam medication suddenly, as abrupt discontinuation can trigger severe or more frequent seizures.

Discuss with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding so the benefits and risks can be carefully assessed. Store the tablets at 20°C–25°C in a dry place, at a distance from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight.

## What are the benefits of taking Keppra 500 mg tablet

Levetiracetam in Keppra 500 works by relaxing abnormal electrical activity in the brain, minimizing the incidence and intensity of epileptic seizures. The main benefits of this anticonvulsant medicine include:

Effective seizure control: Reduces both partial-onset and generalized seizures in adults and adolescents 16 years of age and older.

Flexible dosing: Can be used alone or in combination with other antiepileptic medications.

Rapid onset: Acts quickly after absorption to normalize abnormal brain activity.

Improved quality of life: Fewer seizures result in increased confidence, sleep, and everyday functioning.

Well-tolerated: Generally has a favorable side-effect profile when taken as prescribed.

## How quickly does Keppra 500 mg tablet work

Keppra 500 mg tablet typically begins working within 30–60 minutes of consumption. It reaches peak effectiveness around 1 hour, and its effects can last for about 12 hours per dose with twice-daily dosing.

Food does not change the total amount absorbed but can delay peak levels by about 1.5 hours; alcohol might worsen drowsiness and dizziness. Individual responses vary based on metabolism, kidney function, and dose strength.

Consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance on timing.

## How to take Keppra 500 mg tablet

To guarantee maximum efficacy of this Levetiracetam 500 mg pill precisely as suggested by your doctor. A few general usage guidelines include:

Take Keppra at the same time each day to maintain consistency.

Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Never chew, crush, or break it.

It can be taken with or without food.

The minimum recommended dose is one 500 mg pill twice a day, or as prescribed by a healthcare expert.

## Strengths and Substitutes

Cheap Medicine Shop presently carries Keppra 250 mg and 500 mg dosages. If you need a different strength, talk to your doctor before considering the substitutes given below:

View all substitutes

## What are the side effects of Keppra 500 mg tablet

Keppra can lead to the following mild and temporary side effects:

Anxiety

Cough

Diarrhea

Dry mouth

Fever

These adverse effects usually subside as your body adapts to the medication. However, contact your medical expert if any of these remain longer or become bothersome.

## Safety Advice

Liver Disease

Keppra generally does not require dose adjustment in people with mild to moderate liver disease. However, those with severe liver impairment might need a lower dose to prevent the buildup of the medication in the circulation. Hence, take it only under medical supervision.

Kidney Impairment

Keppra is primarily eliminated through the kidneys; hence, people with kidney impairment should take this medication cautiously . Dose adjustments are required based on their kidney function. Your doctor might recommend regular kidney function tests and prescribe a reduced dose to prevent medication accumulation.

Pregnant and Breastfeeding women

Keppra might be used during pregnancy if the expected benefit outweighs the potential risks, as uncontrolled seizures can be harmful to both mother and baby. It passes into breast milk, so breastfeeding women should consult their healthcare provider before use.

Avoid

Avoid alcohol while taking this pill, as alcohol can intensify adverse effects, such as drowsiness and dizziness.

## FAQs

## What is Keppra 500 mg used for?

Keppra 500 mg is used to control seizures in people with Epilepsy. It contains Levetiracetam, an anticonvulsant that helps stabilize abnormal electrical activity in the brain. It can be prescribed alone or with other anti-seizure medicines to treat partial-onset, myoclonic, and generalized tonic-clonic seizures.

## Can the Keppra 500 mg tablet be taken with or without food?

Yes, Keppra 500 mg tablet can be taken with or without food. However, taking it consistently at the same time each day is essential to maintain stable medication levels and improve seizure control.

## What happens if I miss a dose of Keppra 500 mg?

If you miss a dose of Keppra 500 mg, take it as soon as you remember. If it is nearly the time for your upcoming scheduled dose, omit the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Never take two doses together.

## Can Keppra 500 mg cause mood changes or Depression?

Yes, Keppra 500 mg might cause mood changes, irritability, Anxiety, Depression, or aggressive behavior in some people. Although uncommon, serious behavioral changes and suicidal thoughts can occur. Reach out to your healthcare expert immediately if you notice significant mood or personality changes.

## Is it safe to stop taking Keppra 500 mg suddenly?

No, you should not stop taking Keppra 500 mg suddenly unless your doctor instructs you to. Abrupt discontinuation can increase the chance of seizures or make them more severe. Your medical expert will gradually reduce the dose when appropriate.

## What should I avoid while taking Keppra 500?

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Keppra 500, as it can worsen drowsiness, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating. Also, do not drive or work on any heavy machinery until you recognize how the medicine affects you, especially during the initial treatment period.

## What are the major side effects of Keppra?

Commonly reported side effects of Keppra include drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, headache, and fatigue. Some people might also experience mood or behavioral changes. Obtain immediate medical assistance if you develop severe Depression, suicidal thoughts, allergic reactions, or worsening seizures.