Levetiracetam: Uses, Side Effects, and How to Take It
Levetiracetam is an anticonvulsant medicine used to prevent seizures in people with epilepsy. It is sometimes used for other seizure-related conditions when directed by a neurologist. The appropriate dose and treatment goals should be determined by a prescribing doctor.
Levetiracetam can help control seizures, but it may cause sleepiness, dizziness, or changes in mood or behavior. Take it exactly as prescribed, and ask your doctor or pharmacist before making any changes.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- N03AX14
- Generic
- Levetiracetam
- Class
- anticonvulsant
- Brands
- Keppra
- Availability
- rx
- Pregnancy
- C
- Lactation
- caution
- Half-life (h)
- 7
- Onset (min)
- 60
- Duration (h)
- 12
- Routes
- oral, iv
- Forms
- tablet, injection
- Regions
- CN, US, EU, JP
- Monitoring
- behavioral-changes, renal-function
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
9 groupspregnancy
first trimestermaintain effective dose if already on therapy
continue treatment if benefits outweigh risks - do not discontinue abruptly as seizures pose greater risk
regular prenatal monitoring, ultrasound screening
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second third trimestermaintain effective dose
monitor drug levels, continue if needed for seizure control
fetal growth monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingno adjustment needed
compatible with breastfeeding - monitor infant for drowsiness, poor feeding
observe infant for sedation, developmental milestones
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderly over 65dose adjustment based on renal function not age alone
assess renal function before dosing, start low
renal function monitoring, watch for behavioral changes
pediatric_age
infants 1 month to 16 yearsdose based on weight - 20-60 mg/kg/day
approved for pediatric use, oral solution available
monitor for behavioral side effects, growth
renal_impairment
mildno adjustment needed for CrCl > 50 mL/min
monitor renal function periodically
creatinine clearance monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
moderate to severereduce dose - 50% for CrCl 30-50, 25% for CrCl < 30
adjust dose based on CrCl, extended dosing intervals
regular renal function monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderateno adjustment needed
no dose adjustment required
standard monitoring
hepatic_impairment
severeconsider 50% dose reduction
use with caution in severe hepatic impairment with ascites
monitor liver function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
FDA approval date for Levetiracetam (Keppra)
Drug class
Antiepileptic drug class information
Common uses
Primary therapeutic indication for partial onset seizures
Mechanism of action
Primary pharmacological mechanism of action
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 22, 2026. · Read our editorial policy