Leveron 500 Tablet (Levetiracetam 500mg)

INTRODUCTION

LEVERON 500MG contains Levetiracetam which is an anti-epileptic medicine used to treat seizures (fits). It is used in combination with other medications to treat certain types of seizures in adults and children with epilepsy. It decreases abnormal excitement in the brain. This medicine is used for the form of epilepsy where the fits initially affect only one side of the brain but could thereafter extend to larger areas on both sides of the brain. It is prescribed by your doctor to reduce the number of fits.

Epilepsy is a common chronic disorder that requires long-term antiepileptic drug therapy. Seizures can happen when the electrical signals and chemicals are not working properly in brain cells. This medicine works by attaching to a protein (called SV2A) on the surface of nerve cells in the brain. This suppresses the transmission of nerve signals in the brain and prevents the spread of electrical signals causing seizures.

Before taking this medicine inform your doctor if you have kidney problems and psychotic disorders. The dose of levetiracetam used in children depends on their weight and age. It is usually started at a low dose and may be increased slowly to limit side effects. Some common side effects of this medicine may include dizziness, headache, irritability, loss of appetite and sleepiness. If you experience any of these problems, contact your doctor for advice. Your doctor may change the amount or way the drug is taken which may help. Do not stop taking LEVERON 500MG without your doctor’s advice.

USES OF LEVERON 500MG

Treat seizures in epilepsy

HOW LEVERON 500MG WORKS

LEVERON 500MG attaches to specific sites (SV2A) on the surfaces of nerve cells and affects the transmission of nerve signals in the brain by suppressing the abnormal activity of the nerve cells thus preventing the spread of electrical signals that cause seizures.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

Take this medicine according to the dose and frequency as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break the medicine. It may be taken with or without food.

SIDE EFFECTS OF LEVERON 500MG

SERIOUS
Mood and behavior changes
Hallucinations
Delusions (false or strange thoughts or beliefs)
Extreme sleepiness, tiredness, and weakness
Problems with walking and moving
COMMON
Sleepiness
Dizziness
Headache
Aggression or irritability
Loss of appetite
RARE
Infection
Decreased number of all blood cell types
Severe allergic reactions
Decreased blood sodium concentration
Encephalopathy
Pancreatitis
Sudden decrease in kidney function
Skin rash
Rhabdomyolysis (breakdown of muscle tissue)
Limp or difficulty walking

HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS

Headache:

Rest and drink plenty of fluids. Ask your doctor to recommend a painkiller.

Dizziness:

Get up and move around to feel awake, take small naps to edge off the sleepiness. Give your eyes a break to avoid fatigue and eat a healthy food to boost energy.

WARNING & PRECAUTIONS

PREGNANCY
LEVERON 500MG is considered safe for use by pregnant women. It is advised to consult your doctor before taking this medicine.

BREASTFEEDING
LEVERON 500MG is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless necessary. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

DRIVING AND USING MACHINES
LEVERON 500MG may cause sleepiness. Do not drive or handle any machines while taking this medicine.

ALCOHOL
Do not drink alcohol while taking this medicine as it may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or difficulty in concentration.

KIDNEY
LEVERON 500MG is not recommended in patients with active kidney diseases. Before taking, discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

LIVER
LEVERON 500MG should be used with caution in patients suffering from liver function impairment or active liver diseases. Consult your doctor for advice.

ALLERGY
Do not take if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to Levetiracetam or any of the other ingredients in this medicine.

HEART DISEASE
LEVERON 500MG is not recommended in patients with active heart diseases. Before taking, discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

INTERACTIONS

Inform your doctor if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription or the following:

Cetirizine, oxylamine, diphenhydramine and hydroxyzine (used to relieve allergy)
Alprazolam, diazepam (used to treat anxiety)
Muscle relaxants