What it means
A widely used antiseizure drug for focal and generalized seizures, and to prevent seizures after brain injury or surgery. It has few drug interactions. Side effects include sleepiness, dizziness, weakness and changes in mood or behavior such as irritability, anxiety or depression.
For the nurse
Teach the client not to stop it suddenly, which can bring on seizures, and to avoid driving until seizures are controlled and the drug's effects are known. Report mood changes or thoughts of self-harm. Doses are lowered in kidney disease.
At a glance
| Drug class | anticonvulsant (antiepileptic) |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Keppra, Spritam, Roweepra |
| Spanish | levetiracetam |
| Also written | Keppra, Spritam |
Easy to confuse with
levofloxacin
A fluoroquinolone antibiotic, given by mouth or IV, used for lung, urinary and other bacterial infections.
lamotrigine
An anticonvulsant drug used to prevent seizures and to keep mood stable in bipolar disorder.
cephalexin
A first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic taken by mouth for skin, urinary, ear and other bacterial infections.
Related terms
seizure
A sudden burst of abnormal electrical activity in the brain that changes movement, feeling, behavior or awareness.
gabapentin
An anticonvulsant drug used for some kinds of seizures and for nerve pain.
lamotrigine
An anticonvulsant drug used to prevent seizures and to keep mood stable in bipolar disorder.
fosphenytoin
An IV or IM anticonvulsant drug that the body turns into phenytoin, used to stop and prevent seizures.