Keppra (levetiracetam)

Keppra is a medicine that contains levetiracetam, a substance that regulates the amount of a specific protein in the synapses between neurons in the brain, which makes the electrical activity more stable, preventing the development of seizures. Therefore, this medicine is widely used in the treatment of people with epilepsy.

This remedy is produced by UCB Pharma laboratories and can be purchased in the form of syrup with 100 mg / ml or in tablets with 250, 500 or 750 mg.

Price and where to buy

Keppra can be purchased at conventional pharmacies after presenting a prescription and its price varies according to the dosage and form of presentation. In the case of tablets, the average price is about R $ 40 for 30 tablets of 250 mg and 250 R $ for 30 tablets of 750 mg. In the case of syrup, the cost is approximately 100 R $ for 150 mL.

What is it for

Keppra is indicated for the treatment of seizures, especially in cases of:

Partial seizures with or without secondary generalization from the 1st month of age; Myoclonic seizures from 12 years old; Generalized primary tonic-clonic seizures from the age of 12.

This medicine is often used together with other seizure medicines to improve the outcome.

How to take

When used alone, Keppra should be taken at an initial dose of 250 mg, twice a day, which can be increased to a dose of 500 mg, twice a day, for up to 2 weeks. This dose can continue to be increased by 250 mg every two weeks, up to a maximum of 1500 mg per day.

If used with another medicine, Keppra should be started at a dose of 500 mg twice a day. If necessary, the dose can be increased by 500 mg every two or four weeks, up to 1500 mg twice a day.

Possible side effects

The most common side effects include weight loss, depression, anxiety, insomnia, nervousness, drowsiness, headaches, dizziness, double vision, cough, abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, blurred vision, nausea and excessive tiredness.