Levetiracetam (INN) (IPA: ) is an anticonvulsant medication used to treat epilepsy. It is S- enantiomer of etiracetam, structurally similar to the prototypical nootropic drug piracetam. Along with other anticonvulsants like gabapentin, it is also sometimes used to treat neuropathic pain. Levetiracetam is marketed under the trade name Keppra.

Side effects

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Side effects include: ataxia (sudden loss of balance); hair loss; pins and needles sensation in the extremities; psychiatric symptoms ranging from sudden, intense feelings of rage or frank psychosis; vivid dreams; and many other common side effects like headache and nausea. Recent literature(and paper 2.163 in [http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1528-1167.2005.460801_16.x) suggests that the addition of pyridoxine (vitamin B6) may curtail some of the psychiatric symptoms.

References

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• Keppra (levetiracetam) Final Printed Label New and Generic Drug Approvals. 29 Dec 1999. Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Accessed 31 August 2005.

External links

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• Keppra UCB (manufacturer's website)
• Levetiracetam (patient information)

See also

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• piracetam
• aniracetam
• oxiracetam
• pramiracetam
• etiracetam
• nefiracetam
• rolziracetam
• nebracetam
• fasoracetam
• coluracetam

Substances of the piracetam group | Anticonvulsants

Levetiracetam | Леветирацетам