|
What is Keppra
 Keppra
is used to control seizures. The exact way that it works is
unknown.
Keppra
may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this
medication guide.
General medical information about Keppra
Do not stop taking Keppra without first talking to
your doctor, even if you feel better. It is important to
continue taking Keppra to prevent the seizures from recurring.
Stopping Keppra suddenly may result in increased seizure
frequency. If the medication needs to be stopped, your doctor
may need to lower the dosage gradually.
Carry or
wear a medical identification tag to let others know that
you are taking this medicine in the case of an emergency.
Keppra may cause drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision,
or poor coordination. Do not drive, operate dangerous machinery,
or perform other hazardous activities until you know how
Keppra affects you. If you experience drowsiness, dizziness,
blurred vision, or poor coordination, avoid these activities.
What you should find out before taking Keppra Before taking Keppra, tell your doctor if you have
kidney disease. You may not be able to take Keppra, or you
may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during
treatment.
Keppra is in the FDA pregnancy category
C. This means that it is not known whether Keppra will be
harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without
first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could
become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known
whether Keppra passes into breast milk. Do not take Keppra
without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding
a baby.
How should take Keppra Take Keppra exactly as directed by your doctor. If
you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist,
nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take the
oral tablets with a full glass of water.
To ensure
you get the correct dose, measure the liquid form of Keppra
with a dose-measuring spoon or cup, not with a regular table
spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your
pharmacist where you can get one.
Keppra can be taken
with or without food.
It is important to take Keppra
regularly to get the most benefit.
Do not stop taking
Keppra without first talking to your doctor, even if you
feel better. It is important to continue taking Keppra to
prevent the seizures from recurring. Stopping Keppra suddenly
may result in increased seizure frequency. If the medication
needs to be stopped, your doctor may need to lower the dosage
gradually.
If treatment with Keppra is stopped for
any reason, contact your doctor before restarting the medication.
A lower dose may be needed to prevent side effects from
occurring.
Your doctor may want you to have blood
tests or other medical evaluations during treatment with
Keppra to monitor progress and side effects.
Carry
or wear a medical identification tag to let others know
that you are taking this medicine in the case of an emergency.
Store Keppra at room temperature away from moisture
and heat.
If you miss a dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However,
if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you
missed and take only the next regularly scheduled dose.
Do not take a double dose of this medication.
What happens if you overdose: Seek emergency medical treatment if an overdose is
suspected.
Symptoms of a Keppra overdose are unknown
but might include drowsiness.
Avoid while taking Keppra Do not drink alcohol while taking Keppra. Alcohol
may increase drowsiness or dizziness caused by Keppra. Alcohol
may also increase the risk of seizures.
Keppra may
cause drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, or poor coordination.
Do not drive, operate dangerous machinery, or perform other
hazardous activities until you know how Keppra affects you.
If you experience drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision,
or poor coordination, avoid these activities.
Possible side effects of Keppra If you experience any of the following serious side
effects, stop taking Keppra and seek emergency medical attention
or contact your doctor immediately:
- an allergic
reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling
of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); or
- increasing
frequency or worsening of seizures.
Other, less serious
side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take
Keppra and talk to your doctor if you experience
-
dizziness;
- drowsiness;
- weakness or a loss
of strength;
- poor coordination or difficulty walking;
or
- changes in behavior or mood (agitation, hostility,
anxiety, apathy, or depression).
Side effects other
than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor
about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially
bothersome.
What other drugs will affect Keppra Keppra may increase the effects of other drugs that
cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines,
sedatives (used to treat insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety
medicines, and muscle relaxants. Dangerous sedation, dizziness,
or drowsiness may occur if Keppra is taken with any of these
medications.
Drugs
other than those listed here may also interact with Keppra.
Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription
or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.
|
