Keppra® (Levetiracetam) Tablets and Oral Solution for Seizure Control

What Keppra® Is and How It Works

Keppra is the brand name for levetiracetam, an oral antiepileptic medicine used to help control seizures. It is approved for partial-onset (focal) seizures, juvenile myoclonic seizures, and primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures in appropriate age groups. Forms include tablets and an oral solution. Many people start with Keppra 500 mg twice daily and titrate as needed, while others may use the liquid for flexible dosing. YouDrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy headquartered in Manitoba; prescriptions are reviewed by licensed pharmacists before dispensing.

Levetiracetam binds to synaptic vesicle protein 2A (SV2A), a target that helps modulate neurotransmitter release. This action reduces abnormal neuronal firing and lowers seizure frequency. Keppra tablets are typically taken twice per day. An extended-release option exists in some markets for once-daily dosing. The medication has a short half-life (about 6–8 hours), and steady state is reached in about two days with regular dosing.

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Dosage and Usage

• Initiation (adults): typical starting dose is 500 mg twice daily. Increase by 500 mg twice daily every 2 weeks to a usual maximum of 1,500 mg twice daily (3,000 mg/day), as clinically directed.
• Common strengths: Keppra 250 mg, Keppra 500 mg, 750 mg, and Keppra 1000 mg tablets; oral solution for weight-based or flexible dosing.
• Pediatrics: dosing is weight-based; prescribers choose levetiracetam 500mg tab, oral solution, or other strengths to match clinical need.
• Extended-release: some patients may use once-daily extended-release tablets; swallow whole and do not crush or split.
• Administration: tablets may be taken with or without food; the oral solution should be measured with the supplied dosing syringe or a calibrated device.
• Missed dose: take as soon as remembered unless it is close to the next dose; do not double doses.
• Tapering: discontinuation is gradual to lower the risk of seizure rebound; prescribers set the schedule.
• Renal impairment: dose adjustments are typically required because levetiracetam is primarily renally cleared.
• Drug interactions: levetiracetam has fewer clinically meaningful interactions than many older antiepileptics, but clinical monitoring remains important.

• Store tablets at 15–30 °C (59–86 °F) in a dry place; keep the bottle tightly closed.
• Store the oral solution at 15–30 °C; do not freeze; keep the cap tightly closed.
• Keep medicines in original, labeled containers and away from moisture and excessive heat.
• When traveling, pack doses in your carry-on, bring your prescription and a copy of your medication list, and carry a measuring device for Keppra liquid.
• Use a daily reminder or smartphone alert to avoid missed doses when crossing time zones.

Benefits and Savings

Keppra offers broad-spectrum seizure control and is suitable as monotherapy or adjunct therapy in many settings. It has a predictable pharmacokinetic profile, minimal liver metabolism, and fewer interactions than many older agents. Tablets and liquid options help match dosing to clinical goals, whether using keppra 500mg tablets or titrating with the solution.

Many patients value the convenience of twice-daily tablets and the availability of multiple strengths, including keppra 250 mg and keppra 1000 mg. The generic drug for Keppra, levetiracetam, provides a cost-effective alternative with the same active ingredient. You can compare keppra cost against generic levetiracetam keppra options to manage your budget.

Ordering at Canadian pricing can offer 60–80% savings vs typical US prices, depending on strength and package size. Multi-month supplies and bulk promotions can lower the per-month cost, and simple reorder reminders can help prevent gaps in therapy. To see any current deals, you can check our keppra coupon page.

Side Effects and Safety

• Common: sleepiness, fatigue, dizziness, headache, irritability, nervousness, nausea, decreased appetite, nasal congestion, and infection.
• Neurologic/behavioral: mood changes, agitation, anxiety, emotional lability, and coordination problems can occur in some patients.
• Gastrointestinal: abdominal discomfort, vomiting, diarrhea, or dyspepsia.
• Other: rash or itching; most cutaneous events are mild, but monitor for severe rash.

Serious but less common risks include suicidal thoughts or behavior, severe behavioral changes, psychosis, significant hypersensitivity, blood dyscrasias, and rare severe skin reactions such as Stevens–Johnson syndrome. Dose adjustments are often needed in renal impairment. Avoid abrupt discontinuation unless medically required.

Onset Time

Levetiracetam reaches steady state in about 48 hours with regular dosing. Some patients note fewer seizures within the first 1–2 weeks as the dose increases. More stable control often emerges over 2–4 weeks after reaching the target dose. Individual response varies by seizure type, adherence, and co-therapy.

Compare With Alternatives

Topiramate is another broad-spectrum option used for focal and generalized seizures. It can help with migraine prevention as well. Cognitive side effects and paresthesias are more common. See Topamax® for product details.

Phenytoin remains an option for some generalized tonic-clonic and focal seizures, especially in acute settings. It requires serum level monitoring and has important drug interactions. Learn more at Dilantin®.

Pregabalin is sometimes used as adjunctive therapy for partial-onset seizures and is also used for neuropathic pain, though it is not a substitute for levetiracetam in generalized seizure syndromes.

Combination Therapy

• Adjunctive use with valproate, lamotrigine, or topiramate is common in refractory focal seizures.
• Consider dose adjustments of concomitant sedatives to reduce additive dizziness or somnolence.
• Enzyme-inducing antiepileptics rarely mandate levetiracetam dose changes, but clinical response should guide therapy.
• Do not stop or switch antiepileptics abruptly; prescribers manage cross-taper schedules.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Keppra medication is used in adults and children for eligible seizure types, including partial-onset, juvenile myoclonic, and primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures. It may suit patients needing rapid titration, those with complex regimens, or those seeking an option with fewer drug interactions.

Keppra may not suit individuals with a known hypersensitivity to the drug levetiracetam. Caution is advised in significant renal impairment, and in patients with a history of severe mood disorders or behavioral changes. Decisions in pregnancy or breastfeeding weigh seizure control against potential risks. Discuss personal medical history, seizure type, and goals with a healthcare professional.

To manage keppra price, many patients select generic keppra name equivalents such as levetiracetam pills. Comparing strengths can also help; the price of levetiracetam 500 mg may differ from larger tablets. Ordering a 90-day supply, where appropriate, can reduce per-month costs. You can set simple reorder reminders in your account so your supply arrives before you run out.

Authoritative Sources

FDA Prescribing Information for Keppra (levetiracetam)

Health Canada Drug Product Database: Levetiracetam

UCB Keppra patient information

Order Keppra® from YouDrugstore: add to cart, upload your prescription, and we ship with prompt, express, cold-chain handling.

This content is for educational purposes only and does not replace advice from your healthcare provider.