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Keppra (levetiracetam) is a prescription drug used to treat certain types of seizures in adults and children with epilepsy. It is available in tablet and liquid solution form. While Keppra is generally safe, it can cause a range of mild to severe side effects, including drowsiness, dizziness, and infection. In rare cases, it may cause serious skin reactions, such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis. Some patients have also reported experiencing muscle twitching, which may be a result of Keppra toxicity or interactions with other medications. It is important to consult a doctor or pharmacist to discuss any concerns or bothersome side effects.
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What You'll Learn
Keppra's side effects on children
Keppra (levetiracetam) is a prescription drug used to treat certain types of seizures. While it is used in adults and certain children, the side effects of Keppra were reported more commonly in children than in adults in the drug's studies.
Some of the side effects that have been observed in children include:
- Sleep disturbances: In some cases, children taking Keppra may experience interrupted sleep due to muscle twitching or jerks. These movements can occur randomly throughout the night, affecting the quality and duration of sleep.
- Twitching or myoclonic seizures: There are reports of children experiencing myoclonic seizures or muscle twitching after starting Keppra. These seizures are characterized by quick, sharp, uncontrollable muscle movements that can affect one muscle or groups of related muscles. However, it is important to note that myoclonic seizures are more commonly associated with childhood seizure conditions and are typically manageable with medication.
- Abnormal behaviors: Keppra may cause abnormal behaviors, which are more commonly reported in children. These behaviors can include changes in mood or problems with coordination.
- Skin reactions: Serious skin reactions, such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis, can occur in rare cases. Symptoms may include blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, red skin lesions, or sores.
- Blood cell problems: Blood cell abnormalities, such as decreased amounts of certain blood cells or increased eosinophil counts, have been reported as common side effects in studies of Keppra.
- Fatigue and weakness: Children taking Keppra may experience unusual tiredness or weakness. It is important to report these symptoms to a doctor right away.
It is important to note that side effects can vary among individuals, and not all children will experience the same side effects. Regular medical supervision and blood tests are necessary to monitor the progress and well-being of children taking Keppra. Any concerns or changes in a child's behavior, sleep patterns, or physical symptoms should be promptly discussed with a healthcare provider.
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Levetiracetam toxicity
Levetiracetam (Keppra®) is a second-generation anticonvulsant medication used to treat various types of seizures in patients with epilepsy. It is also being investigated for its mood-stabilizing properties. Levetiracetam is typically administered orally, with the dosage depending on the patient's age and weight.
While Levetiracetam has a wide therapeutic index and is generally well-tolerated, it can cause certain side effects, some of which may be serious. The more common side effects in adults include somnolence, asthenia, and dizziness, while in children, they include fatigue, aggression, nasal congestion, decreased appetite, and irritability. Other less common side effects include coordination difficulties, mood or behavioral changes, and unusual tiredness or weakness.
In the event of an overdose, Levetiracetam can cause respiratory depression, decreased level of consciousness, agitation, aggression, and even coma. The first reported case of Levetiracetam overdose resulted in rapid recovery with supportive care. However, another case study reported a 51-year-old man who experienced acute kidney injury due to Levetiracetam poisoning, requiring hemodialysis.
It is important to note that certain medical conditions and medications can interact with Levetiracetam, potentially increasing the risk of side effects. For example, patients with moderate to severe kidney disease are not recommended to use Levetiracetam, and elderly patients with age-related kidney problems may require a dose adjustment. Additionally, patients with a history of mental illness should use Levetiracetam with caution as it may worsen their condition.
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Keppra's effect on the elderly
Keppra (levetiracetam) is a brand-name drug that's prescribed for certain types of seizures in adults and some children. It is available as an oral solution, an immediate-release oral tablet, and an intravenous (IV) injection. The oral dosage for adults and children 16 years of age and older is typically 500 milligrams (mg) twice a day, which may be adjusted by a doctor as needed, usually not exceeding 3000 mg per day.
Regarding its effects on the elderly, appropriate studies have not been performed to fully understand the relationship between age and the effects of Keppra. However, it is known that elderly patients are more likely to have age-related kidney problems, which may require caution and an adjustment in dosage for patients receiving levetiracetam. Moderate to severe kidney disease patients are not recommended to use this medication.
Additionally, it is important to note that Keppra may cause side effects, some of which are more common than others. These side effects can include sleepiness, dizziness, fatigue, weakness, and problems with coordination. Serious skin reactions, such as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), can also occur and require immediate medical attention. Other possible side effects include changes in mood and behavior, such as aggression, agitation, anger, anxiety, and irritability.
It is always recommended to consult a doctor or healthcare professional before taking any medication, including Keppra, to ensure it is safe and appropriate for your specific circumstances. They can provide guidance on potential side effects and any necessary adjustments in dosage or treatment plans.
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Potential allergic reactions
Keppra (levetiracetam) is a prescription drug used to treat certain types of seizures. It can cause a range of mild to severe side effects, including allergic reactions.
- Serious skin reactions, such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis, which can cause blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, red skin lesions, itching, and white spots in the mouth or on the lips.
- Swelling of the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or genitals.
- Respiratory symptoms, such as a cough, sore throat, or difficulty breathing.
- Other symptoms such as itching, joint or muscle pain, red irritated eyes, sores, ulcers, or unusual tiredness and weakness.
It is important to note that an allergic reaction to Keppra was not reported in studies. However, as with any medication, allergic reactions are possible and can vary from person to person. If you experience any signs of an allergic reaction, such as the ones listed above, seek medical attention immediately. Do not stop taking Keppra without consulting your doctor, as this may cause your seizures to return or become more frequent.
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Other possible causes of muscle twitching
Muscle twitching is often minor and can go unnoticed. It can be caused by numerous factors, some more serious than others. Here are some possible causes of muscle twitching:
Medication and Substances
Certain medications and substances can cause muscle twitching. For example, some epilepsy and psychosis drugs may cause eyelid twitching. Antidepressants and other prescribed drugs can also cause twitching. Additionally, substances like caffeine, amphetamines, and other stimulants can trigger muscle twitches.
Stress and Anxiety
Stress and anxiety can lead to muscle tension and pain, and are common causes of muscle twitching. Relaxation techniques such as massage or meditation can help alleviate this.
Lack of Nutrients
A lack of nutrients in the diet, particularly a deficiency in potassium, can cause muscle twitches. Ensuring adequate hydration and a balanced diet can help prevent this.
Sleep Deprivation
Not getting enough sleep can result in muscle twitching. It is important to maintain healthy sleep habits and address any underlying sleep disorders.
Medical Conditions
In some cases, muscle twitching can be a sign of an underlying medical condition, such as a nervous system disorder, neuropathy, or kidney disease. If muscle twitching is persistent or accompanied by weakness, it is important to consult a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
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Frequently asked questions
Keppra (levetiracetam) is a prescription drug used to treat certain types of seizures in adults and children with epilepsy.
Keppra may cause mild or serious side effects. Mild side effects may include sleepiness, dizziness, and infection. Serious side effects may include allergic reactions, drowsiness, and serious skin reactions.
Muscle twitching can be caused by many different things, such as vitamin deficiency, stress, and anxiety. While muscle twitching is not listed as a common side effect of Keppra, it is important to consult a doctor or healthcare provider to ensure the information applies to your personal circumstances.
