Keppra XR: Indications, Side Effects, Warnings
Uses of Keppra XR
Keppra XR (levetiracetam extended-release tablets) is a pyrrolidine anticonvulsant used to treat seizures in adults and children. It is also used to treat partial onset seizures in adults and children four years of age and older.
What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Keppra XR?
Before taking Keppra XR, tell your doctor if you are allergic to it or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Also tell your doctor if you have kidney disease or are on dialysis. Additionally, tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take Keppra XR with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.
What are some things I need to know or do while I take Keppra XR?
Tell all of your health care providers that you take Keppra XR. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists. Avoid driving and doing other tasks or actions that call for you to be alert until you see how Keppra XR affects you. Talk with your doctor before you drink alcohol or use other drugs and natural products that slow your actions. Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor. Do not stop taking Keppra XR all of a sudden without calling your doctor. You may have a greater risk of seizures. If you need to stop this drug, you will want to slowly stop it as buyed by your doctor. A very bad reaction called angioedema has happened with Keppra XR. Sometimes, this may be life-threatening. Signs may include swelling of the hands, face, lips, eyes, tongue, or throat; trouble breathing; trouble swallowing; or unusual hoarseness. Get medical help right away if you have any of these signs. You may see something that looks like the tablet in your stool. This is normal and not a cause for concern. If you have questions, talk with your doctor. If you are 65 or older, use Keppra XR with care. You could have more side effects. Use with care in children. Talk with the doctor. Children younger than 4 years old will need to have their blood pressure checked often. Talk with the doctor. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby. This medicine may not work as well during pregnancy. Talk with the doctor.
How is this medicine (Keppra XR) best taken?
Use Keppra XR as buyed by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely. Take with or without food. Keep taking Keppra XR as you have been told by your doctor or other health care provider, even if you feel well. Take Keppra XR at the same time of day. Swallow whole. Do not chew or crush. Do not split or break tablet. Check your drug when you get a new prescription to make sure you have the right drug. Call your doctor right away if you think you were given the wrong drug or if you are not sure what your drug should look like.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it. If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time. Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help if any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect: Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat; If seizures are worse or not the same after starting Keppra XR; Hallucinations