What is Levetiracetam? Uses, warnings & side effects

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Levetiracetam is a generic prescription drug used as a maintenance treatment for seizure disorders. Like other anticonvulsants, it works by slowing down nerve signals. Levetiracetam comes in a variety of oral dosage forms including immediate-release, extended-release, tablets, liquid, and injections. Doses are taken once or twice daily depending on the formulation.

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Levetiracetam overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Keppra, Keppra XR, Roweepra, Elepsia XR, Spritam

Generic Names:

  • Levetiracetam

Uses:

  • Treats seizures

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Anticonvulsant

Forms:

  • Tablet, extended-release tablet, tablet for suspension, oral solution (liquid), injection

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth, injection

What is Levetiracetam used for?

Levetiracetam treats various types of seizure disorders (epilepsy). The FDA has approved its use as an add-on (adjunctive) treatment for:

  • Myoclonic seizures (sudden and brief muscle jerks) in adults and children 12 years of age and older

  • Partial seizures in adults and children 1 month and older

Tonic-clonic seizures (loss of consciousness and convulsions) in adults and children 5 years of age and older

What form(s) does Levetiracetam come in?

  • Tablet

    • 250 mg

    • 500 mg

    • 750 mg

    • 1,000 mg

  • Extended-release tablet

    • 500 mg

    • 750 mg

    • 1,000 mg

    • 1,500 mg

  • Tablet for suspension (Spritam)

    • 250 mg

    • 500 mg

    • 750 mg

    • 1,000 mg

  • Oral solution (liquid)

    • 100 mg/mL

  • Injection

    • 100 mg/mL

What are common Levetiracetam dosages?

  • For partial seizures: 

    • In adults and adolescents 16 years of age and older: 1,500 mg immediate-release levetiracetam taken twice daily

    • In adults and children 12 years of age and older weighing more than 50 kg: 3,000 mg extended-release levetiracetam taken once daily

    • In children 4–16 years of age weighing 40 kg or more: 30 mg/kg levetiracetam oral solution or injection OR 1,500 mg immediate-release tablets administered twice daily

    • In children 4–16 years of age weighing 20–40 kg: 30 mg/kg levetiracetam oral solution or injection OR 750 mg immediate-release tablets administered twice daily

    • In children 6 months–4 years of age: 25 mg/kg oral solution or injection administered twice daily

    • In children 1–6 months: 21 mg/kg oral solution or injection administered twice daily

  • For juvenile myoclonic seizures in adults and children 12 years of age and older: 1,500 mg immediate-release levetiracetam taken twice daily

  • For primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures:

    • In adults and adolescents 16 years of age and older: 1,500 mg immediate-release levetiracetam administered twice daily 

    • In children 6–16 years of age: 30 mg/kg immediate-release levetiracetam administered twice daily 

Levetiracetam images - What does Levetiracetam look like?

  • levETIRAcetam
    473ml of 100mg/ml bottle

  • levETIRAcetam
    500ml of 100mg/ml bottle

  • levETIRAcetam
    10ml of 100mg/ml cup

  • levETIRAcetam
    1000mg tablet

  • levETIRAcetam
    250mg tablet

  • levETIRAcetam
    500mg tablet

  • levETIRAcetam
    750mg tablet

  • levETIRAcetam
    5ml of 500mg/5ml vial

How to take Levetiracetam

  • Take this medicine as directed. The dose may need to be changed in the first few weeks. 

  • Please read the Medication Guide that comes with this medicine.

  • Take doses at the same time each day.

  • Take doses with or without food.

  • Do not stop taking levetiracetam doses until talking to a doctor.

  • How to take levetiracetam tablets:

    • Doses are usually taken twice daily.

    • Swallow the tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.

    • Store tablets at room temperature away from heat and light.

  • How to take extended-release levetiracetam tablets:

    • Doses are usually taken once daily.

    • Swallow the tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.

    • Store the tablets at room temperature away from heat and light.

  • How to take Elepsia XR tablets:

    • Doses are usually taken once daily.

    • Swallow the tablet whole. Do not crush, break, divide, or chew it.

    • Each tablet has a blue layer and a white layer. If one of the layers is missing, do not take the tablet.

    • Inert parts of the tablet may be visible in stools. Do not be concerned.

    • Store the tablets at room temperature protected from light.

  • How to take Spritam tablets for suspension:

    • Spritam tablets are usually taken two times daily.

    • The tablets are intended to dissolve in the mouth after a sip of liquid. Do not swallow the tablets whole.

    • Your hands should be dry before removing a Spritam tablet from the blister pack.

    • Peel back the foil. DO NOT PUSH THE TABLET THROUGH THE FOIL.

    • Empty the tablet from the blister pack into a dry hand.

    • Place the tablet on your tongue.

    • Take a sip of liquid.

    • Allow the tablet to fully dissolve and then swallow. This should take about 11 seconds.

    • The tablet can also be placed in a small amount of liquid (1 tablespoon), dissolved by swirling the liquid, and swallowed that way. Add more water if there’s extra medicine left over and drink the remaining mixture.

    • Store Spritam tablets at room temperature.

  • How to take levetiracetam oral solution:

    • Doses are usually taken two times daily.

    • Ask the pharmacist for a medicine measuring device such as a calibrated oral syringe, dropper, or medicine cup. Do not use kitchen measuring devices or tableware to measure doses.

    • Store levetiracetam oral solution at room temperature away from heat and light.

What to do if you miss a dose of Levetiracetam

  • Take a missed dose as soon as it’s remembered.

  • If it’s almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose.

  • Take the next dose at its regular time.

  • Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Levetiracetam contraindications - Who shouldn't take Levetiracetam?

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. 

  • Do not use it if you have had an allergic reaction to levetiracetam.

Levetiracetam warnings

  • Tell any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you that you are using this medicine.

  • Antiseizure therapy requires regular doctor visits and tests. Keep all healthcare appointments.

  • Contact the prescriber if seizures do not improve or get worse.

  • Before starting levetiracetam, tell the prescriber if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have:

    • Kidney disease

    • High blood pressure

    • A history of depression, mood disorders, or suicidal thoughts

  • Women taking levetiracetam should immediately inform the prescriber if they become pregnant or think they’re pregnant.

  • This medicine can cause serious problems including: 

    • Changes in mood or behavior, including thoughts of suicide

    • Hallucinations

    • Elevated blood pressure

    • Blood disorders

    • Severe allergic, skin, or drug reactions

  • Do not stop taking levetiracetam doses without talking to the prescriber. The sudden discontinuation of levetiracetam could increase the frequency and severity of seizures. When it’s time to stop, the clinician will need to gradually decrease the dose.

  • Levetiracetam can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and fatigue. It can also affect coordination. Do not drive or engage in other risky activities until you know how this medicine affects you.

Levetiracetam interactions & what to avoid when taking Levetiracetam

  • Levetiracetam has very few major drug interactions.

  • Even so, make sure the prescriber knows about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements being taken.

  • Tell the prescriber if you are taking any other drugs that cause sleepiness such as opioids, benzodiazepines, sleeping pills, sedative allergy medications, CBD, or alcohol.

  • Do not start any new medications until talking to the prescriber.

  • Avoid alcohol while taking levetiracetam.

Levetiracetam side effects - How does Levetiracetam make you feel?

Serious side effects

Talk to a doctor if you notice any signs or symptoms of a possible serious side effect, including:

  • Thoughts about suicide or self-harm

  • Behavior changes, mood changes, aggression, depression, hostility

  • Seeing or hearing things that aren’t there

  • Extreme sleepiness, tiredness, weakness

  • Problems with balance, coordination, or walking

  • Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches

  • Severe muscle pain, dark urine

  • Change in how much or how often you urinate

  • Fatigue, yellowing of the skin and eyes

  • Blistering, peeling, red skin rash

  • Swollen, painful, or tender lymph glands in the neck, armpit, or groin

  • Fever, dark urine, facial swelling, unusual bruising, shortness of breath, fatigue, yellowing of the skin or eyes 

  • Allergic reaction: Itching, rash, hives, swelling in your face or neck, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

Less serious side effects

  • Sleepiness

  • Infection

  • Weakness

  • Dizziness

  • Stuffy or runny nose

  • Decreased appetite

  • Irritability

  • Fatigue

Find more information about levetiracetam side effects here.

Sources:

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