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Keppra (levetiracetam) is a prescription drug used to treat certain types of seizures in adults and children. It can cause a range of side effects, from mild to severe, including sleepiness, dizziness, fatigue, weakness, and suicidal thoughts or actions. While muscle weakness is a known side effect of the drug, it is important to note that there have also been reports of rhabdomyolysis, a condition involving skeletal muscle cell necrosis, which may be induced by levetiracetam in rare cases.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Muscle Weakness | Sleepiness, fatigue, and dizziness are common side effects of Keppra. However, it is unclear if the drug causes muscle weakness directly. In one case, a patient developed myalgia and weakness in the lower limbs after taking levetiracetam, but it is unclear if Keppra was the causative agent. |
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What You'll Learn
Sleepiness, weakness, and dizziness
Keppra (levetiracetam) is a prescription drug used to treat certain types of seizures. Like all medicines, it can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Some of the most common side effects of Keppra include sleepiness, weakness, and dizziness.
Sleepiness is a common side effect of Keppra, reported in both adults and children taking the medication in clinical trials. This can impact your ability to drive or operate machinery safely, so it is important to refrain from these activities until you know how Keppra affects you. The sleepiness usually improves after about four weeks of treatment. However, if it persists or becomes severe, it is important to consult your doctor.
Weakness is another side effect that has been associated with Keppra use. In one reported case, a patient developed weakness in both lower limbs after taking levetiracetam for the first time. Additionally, according to WebMD, levetiracetam can cause unusual tiredness or weakness, which may be a symptom of an underlying blood disorder. Therefore, it is important to keep all appointments with your healthcare provider to have your blood checked.
Dizziness is also a known side effect of Keppra. This can further impair your ability to drive or operate machinery safely, so caution should be exercised until you understand how the medication affects you.
If you experience any of these side effects, it is important to consult your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to adjust your dose or recommend ways to manage the side effects.
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Mood and behaviour changes
Keppra is a prescription drug used to treat certain types of seizures. It can cause side effects that range from mild to severe. Mood and behavioural changes are among the possible side effects of Keppra.
In clinical trials, changes in mood, thoughts, or behaviour were commonly reported with Keppra. These side effects were reported more commonly in children than in adults taking the drug.
Some of the mood and behavioural changes that have been observed in patients taking Keppra include:
- Aggression
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Nervousness
- Depression
- Emotional lability
- Mood swings
- Hostility
- Psychotic symptoms
- Suicidal thoughts or behaviour
If you experience any unusual changes in your mood, feelings, thoughts, or behaviour while taking Keppra, it is important to talk to your doctor right away. They may decide to change your dosage or switch you to a different medication. Do not stop taking Keppra without first consulting your doctor, as this may cause withdrawal seizures or increased seizure activity.
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Blood disorders
Keppra (levetiracetam) is a prescription drug used to treat certain types of seizures. It can cause a range of side effects, from mild to severe, and some people may experience muscle weakness as a result of taking the drug.
Levetiracetam can cause blood disorders, which may lead to unusual tiredness or weakness. It can lower the number of some types of blood cells in your body, including:
- Low white blood cell levels (leukopenia)
- Low neutrophil levels (neutropenia)
- Low red blood cell levels (anaemia)
- High eosinophil levels (eosinophilia)
As a result of these blood disorders, you may bleed or get infections more easily. You should avoid being near people who are sick or have infections, and you should take care when engaging in activities that could cause bruising, cuts, or injury.
If you experience any of the following symptoms of blood disorders, stop taking levetiracetam and seek medical help immediately:
- Fever
- Shortness of breath
- Pale or yellowish skin
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Frequent infection
- Unusual weakness or tiredness
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling like you are about to pass out
- Headache
- Fast or abnormal heartbeat
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Severe allergic reactions
Keppra can cause allergic reactions in some people. While allergic reactions were not reported in studies, they have been reported since the drug was approved. Mild allergic reactions may manifest as a mild rash. In such cases, one should call their doctor right away. The doctor may suggest treatments to manage the symptoms, such as an antihistamine or a topical cream like hydrocortisone.
If you experience symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately. A severe allergic reaction can also manifest as anaphylaxis, with symptoms such as:
- Swelling of the lips, mouth, throat, or tongue
- Difficulty breathing or very fast breathing
- Tightness in the throat or difficulty swallowing
- Skin, tongue, or lips turning blue, grey, or pale
- Sudden confusion, drowsiness, or dizziness
- In children, a limp or floppy body or difficulty responding
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a rare but severe allergic reaction that can occur while taking Keppra. This condition can cause a painful rash, blisters, and peeling of the skin. In the most severe cases, it can affect internal organs and become life-threatening if not addressed immediately. Another rare but severe hypersensitivity reaction is Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS), which can affect multiple parts of the body, including the liver, kidneys, and heart.
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Skin reactions
Keppra (levetiracetam) is a prescription drug used to treat certain types of seizures. It can cause a range of side effects, from mild to severe. Skin reactions are among the possible side effects of taking Keppra.
Serious skin reactions can occur with this medicine, including Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN). These conditions can lead to death if not treated. Symptoms of these severe skin reactions include painful red or purple skin that looks burned and peels off, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, chills, cough, diarrhea, itching, joint or muscle pain, red irritated eyes, red skin lesions, sore throat, sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop taking levetiracetam and seek immediate medical attention.
In addition to these severe skin reactions, Keppra can also cause allergic reactions, including a specific type called DRESS (Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms). DRESS can affect multiple parts of the body, such as the liver, kidneys, and heart. It is important to recognize the symptoms of an allergic reaction, which may include fever, shortness of breath, pale or yellowish skin, easy bruising or bleeding, frequent infection, unusual weakness or tiredness, dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, and fast or abnormal heartbeat. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop taking levetiracetam and seek medical help immediately.
It is important to note that side effects of Keppra may vary from person to person, and some may experience mild skin reactions that are not as severe as those mentioned above. These mild side effects may include sleepiness, dizziness, and infection. However, even if the side effects are mild, it is important to consult your doctor or pharmacist if they bother you or persist for an extended period.
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Frequently asked questions
Keppra (levetiracetam) is a prescription drug used to treat certain types of seizures.
Keppra has a range of side effects, from mild to severe. Mild side effects include sleepiness, weakness, dizziness, and cold or flu symptoms. More severe side effects include allergic reactions, abnormal behaviours, suicidal thoughts, and severe skin reactions.
Yes, muscle weakness is a common side effect of Keppra, especially when starting treatment. In rare cases, it can cause rhabdomyolysis, which involves the fusion and necrosis of skeletal muscle cells, resulting in muscle weakness.
If you experience muscle weakness or other side effects that bother you or become severe, be sure to talk to your doctor or pharmacist. They may adjust your dose or recommend a different medication.
Yes, Keppra can also cause changes in mood and behaviour, decreased alertness, coordination problems, and blood disorders. It is important to keep all appointments with your healthcare provider to monitor for any unwanted effects.
