Keppra® Tablets for Epilepsy

Levetiracetam is an anti-seizure medicine used to help control epilepsy. It is available as immediate-release tablets and once-daily extended-release tablets. This page helps you compare options, review usage basics, and understand levetiracetam 500 mg price details for cash-pay buyers with or without insurance. Many customers also value US delivery from Canada for reliable access and transparent checkout.

What Keppra Is and How It Works

Keppra® is the well-known brand name for levetiracetam, an antiepileptic that helps reduce abnormal brain activity. It binds to the synaptic vesicle protein SV2A, which may stabilize neurotransmitter release and reduce seizure likelihood. YouDrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy in Manitoba. Pharmacists review prescriptions before dispensing.

This medicine does not cure epilepsy. It helps lower seizure frequency when taken regularly as directed. The treatment can be used alone for certain seizure types in adults and older children or as add-on therapy across a range of seizure syndromes.

For many, generic levetiracetam 500 mg offers the same active ingredient as the brand. Discuss your personal history, other medicines, and any mood or behavior changes with your clinician.

Who It’s For

Levetiracetam is indicated for partial-onset (focal) seizures in adults and pediatric patients when approved by local labeling. It is also used for myoclonic seizures in juvenile myoclonic epilepsy and primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures in suitable patients. Learn more about these conditions in our condition guides for Epilepsy, Focal Seizures, and Generalized Tonic Clonic Seizures.

Avoid use if you have known hypersensitivity to levetiracetam or any component of the product. People with significant renal impairment will often require dose adjustments, guided by their prescriber. Use caution if you have a history of mood disorders or suicidal thoughts; behavioral effects may occur.

Dosage and Usage

Follow your prescription label. Immediate-release tablets are commonly taken twice daily. A typical adult starting schedule is 500 mg twice daily, then adjusted by the prescriber based on response and tolerability. Do not change your dose without medical advice.

Extended-release tablets are generally taken once daily. Swallow tablets whole. Do not crush, split, or chew extended-release forms. Take doses at the same times each day for steady levels. Food does not significantly affect absorption; you may take with or without meals.

Many patients begin therapy on levetiracetam 500mg tablets, with dosage titrated over time. Pediatric dosing is weight-based and follows specific protocols; your healthcare professional will provide individualized instructions.

Strengths and Forms

Levetiracetam comes in several presentations. Availability can vary by manufacturer and by region.

• Immediate-release tablets: 250 mg, 500 mg, 750 mg, 1000 mg
• Extended-release tablets (XR): 500 mg, 750 mg
• Oral solution: commonly 100 mg/mL in labeled markets

Ask your prescriber or pharmacist which form best fits your routine, such as a once-daily regimen versus divided doses. If you prefer tablets, levetiracetam 500 mg oral tablet may be the most familiar starting strength for many adults.

Missed Dose and Timing

If you miss a dose, take it when remembered unless it is close to the next scheduled dose. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual schedule. Do not double up to make up for a missed dose. For once-daily XR, try to take it at the same time each day. If you often forget, consider setting reminders.

Some patients use levetiracetam 500 mg xr as a once-daily option. As with all extended-release medicines, consistent timing helps keep symptoms controlled.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store tablets at room temperature in a dry place, away from excess heat and moisture. Keep in the original container with the label intact. Always keep out of reach of children and pets. When traveling, carry your medicine in your hand luggage with a copy of your prescription. A pill organizer may help maintain your schedule across time zones; talk with your clinician about adjusting dose times for long trips.

Keep the bottle tightly closed between doses. Do not use tablets that are chipped, discolored, or damaged. If your medicine looks different than usual, check with the pharmacy to confirm the product and strength.

Benefits

This therapy can be convenient for many people living with epilepsy. It has minimal involvement with liver enzyme pathways compared with some older antiseizure drugs, so fewer interactions are expected. Once-daily extended-release dosing may improve adherence for those who struggle with multiple daily doses. The treatment can be used across different seizure types as directed by your prescriber.

Side Effects and Safety

• Common: sleepiness, dizziness, weakness, headache
• Behavioral changes: irritability, anxiety, agitation
• Gastrointestinal: nausea, decreased appetite
• Infections and fatigue: reported in some patients

Serious effects can include mood or behavior changes, depression, suicidal thoughts, severe rash, or allergic reactions (such as angioedema). Seek medical attention for trouble breathing, swelling, a severe skin reaction, or new or worsening mood symptoms. Do not stop this medicine suddenly without guidance; abrupt changes may increase seizure risk.

Use caution with tasks requiring alertness until you know how the therapy affects you. Alcohol or other central nervous system depressants may add to drowsiness.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Levetiracetam has fewer drug interactions than many older antiseizure medicines. However, interactions can occur. Methotrexate levels may be affected when used together. Strong CNS depressants and alcohol can increase sedation. Report all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements to your prescriber.

Tell your clinician if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding. Dose changes or monitoring may be considered. If surgery or a hospital procedure is planned, inform the team that you take an antiepileptic. Prescriptions are prescription required and verified before dispensing.

Never stop this therapy abruptly. If a change is needed, your prescriber will provide a taper plan to reduce the chance of breakthrough seizures.

What to Expect Over Time

When taken as directed, many patients see fewer seizures over weeks to months, though experiences vary. It may take time to find the right dose, especially if medicine is added to existing therapy. Keep a seizure diary, use alarms for dose reminders, and schedule regular check-ins with your healthcare professional. If side effects occur, do not stop on your own; contact your prescriber for advice.

Because there is no blood test routinely required for this treatment, ongoing follow-up focuses on symptom control, tolerability, and checking kidney function when appropriate.

Compare With Alternatives

Your prescriber may consider other antiseizure medicines based on age, seizure type, and comorbidities. Brand-name Keppra® contains the same active ingredient as levetiracetam. Lamotrigine is another common option used for focal seizures and certain generalized seizures. Topiramate is also used for multiple seizure types and migraine prevention when indicated. If you need brand pricing details, review keppra 500 mg price with your clinician to understand differences and coverage.

Pricing and Access

You can review current pricing on this page and compare generic options. Many people choose Canadian-sourced medication for value, and your order Ships from Canada to US after prescription verification. If you have a coupon, see our Promotions page for current offers. You can also order levetiracetam 500 mg online once your prescription is uploaded.

Savings vary by product and supply size. For added education on other seizure therapies and considerations, see our article on Dilantin Uses. For broader therapy options, browse Neurology.

Availability and Substitutions

Supply can vary by strength and manufacturer. If your preferred tablet is unavailable, your prescriber may suggest another strength, the extended-release form, or a suitable alternative. The pharmacy will contact you if a substitution is proposed and will only dispense with your agreement and a valid prescription.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

People who tolerate levetiracetam and achieve seizure control may be good candidates for ongoing therapy. Those with serious behavioral reactions, severe kidney disease without monitoring, or hypersensitivity are generally not good candidates. If you are unsure, talk with your prescriber.

• Multi-month fills: asking for a longer supply may reduce per-fill fees
• Consistency: take doses on time to support seizure control
• Refill reminders: set calendar alerts to avoid gaps
• Travel prep: carry extra days of medicine and your prescription
• Care team: share a seizure diary to guide adjustments

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Which seizure type am I treating, and is this medicine appropriate?
• Should I use immediate-release or extended-release tablets?
• What signs suggest I should call the clinic promptly?
• How should I plan doses when traveling across time zones?
• Could my other medicines or alcohol increase drowsiness?
• What is the plan if my seizures change or increase?

Authoritative Sources

UCB (Manufacturer)

FDA DailyMed

Health Canada DPD

Ready to proceed? Upload your prescription to YouDrugstore for secure checkout and prompt US shipping from Canada, with temperature-controlled handling when required. This information is educational and not a substitute for medical advice.