Levetiracetam
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Neuro Drugs
- Anticholinergic Syndrome
- Cholinergic Crisis
- Benztropine / Trihexyphenidyl
- Pyridostigmine, Neostigmine, Edrophonium
- Donepezil
- Memantine
- Scopolamine
- Levodopa, Carbidopa
- Selegiline / Rasagiline
- Entacapone / Tolcapone
- Propofol
- Halothane / Flurane
- Opioids
- Succinylcholine
- Lidocaine
- Ergotamine
- Triptans
- Pregabalin
- Gabapentin
- Ramelteon
Summary
Levetiracetam is a medication that treats seizures by depressing the central nervous system. This may cause drowsiness, which is an expected side effect that resolves after taking the drug for 4 - 6 weeks. A more severe side effect is a rash that can evolve into the life-threatening Stevens-Johnson syndrome, so any sign of a rash should be reported to the physician. Finally, levetiracetam has been shown to increase suicidal ideation, so keep a close eye on the patient’s mood and anxiety levels.
Key Points
- Levetiracetam (Keppra)
- Mechanism
- Drug class: Anticonvulsant/Antiseizure
- Depresses the CNS
- Drug class: Anticonvulsant/Antiseizure
- Clinical Uses
- Seizures
- Tonic-clonic, partial, and myoclonic seizures
- Preferred antiepileptic medication as it has minimal side effects and drug interactions compared to other antiseizure drugs
- Seizures
- Side Effects and Adverse Reactions
- Sedation, drowsiness, fatigue
- A common side effect as a result of depressing the CNS that usually resolves within 4-6 weeks
- Do not take with other CNS depressant medications or alcohol
- Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
- Report rash immediately
- Increased suicidal ideation
- Report any changes in mood or anxiety
- Renal toxicity
- Sedation, drowsiness, fatigue
- Mechanism