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Keppra (levetiracetam) is a brand-name drug prescribed for certain types of seizures in adults and children. It is known to have several side effects, including sleepiness, dizziness, fatigue, and aggression. While muscle pain is not listed as a common side effect, some users have reported experiencing muscle pain, joint pain, and headaches while taking Keppra. It is important to note that side effects may vary among individuals and that users should consult their doctor or pharmacist if they experience any adverse effects.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Muscle Pain | Some users have reported experiencing muscle pain, joint pain, and headaches |
| Seriousness | Muscle pain is not listed as a serious side effect of Keppra. However, it is important to consult a doctor if any unusual symptoms occur |
| Other Side Effects | Somnolence, asthenia, dizziness, fatigue, aggression, decreased appetite, irritability, suicidal thoughts, mood changes, skin reactions, blood disorders, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
- Levetiracetam, the active ingredient in Keppra, can cause muscle pain
- Other side effects include dizziness, fatigue, and somnolence
- Keppra may cause severe skin reactions, such as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
- It can also lead to suicidal thoughts and mood changes
- Blood disorders and decreased alertness are possible side effects
Levetiracetam, the active ingredient in Keppra, can cause muscle pain
Levetiracetam is available as an oral solution, an immediate-release oral tablet, and an intravenous (IV) injection. The extended-release tablets release the medication slowly over time. It is important not to crush or chew the tablets or extended-release tablets, but to swallow them whole. Levetiracetam can also be taken as an orally disintegrating tablet (ODT), which can be mixed with water.
Like all medicines, levetiracetam can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Muscle pain is a possible side effect of taking levetiracetam, along with joint pain, headaches, neck pain, and pharyngitis. Other common side effects include sleepiness, dizziness, fatigue, aggression, nasal congestion, decreased appetite, irritability, and mood and behavioural changes.
It is important to consult a doctor before stopping the use of levetiracetam, as doing so suddenly may cause seizures to return or occur more frequently. Doctors may recommend gradually reducing the dosage before stopping completely.
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Other side effects include dizziness, fatigue, and somnolence
Keppra (levetiracetam) is an anti-epileptic medication used to treat seizures in adults and some children. It can cause several side effects, including dizziness, fatigue, and somnolence.
Dizziness is a common side effect of Keppra, occurring in more than 1% to 10% of patients. It can cause a sudden loss of balance or coordination and may be accompanied by lightheadedness or vertigo. Patients experiencing dizziness should refrain from driving, riding a bike, or operating machinery until they feel more alert.
Fatigue is another known side effect of Keppra. Patients may experience unusual tiredness or weakness while taking this medication. It is important to monitor fatigue and somnolence, as they can impact a person's ability to drive or operate machinery. In some cases, patients have reported feeling so tired that they are unable to get out of bed.
Somnolence, or excessive drowsiness, has been reported in up to 15% of patients taking Keppra in controlled clinical studies. This side effect was considered serious in 0.3% of cases and led to the discontinuation of treatment in 3% of patients. Patients experiencing somnolence should be cautious when performing tasks that require alertness and coordination, such as driving or operating heavy machinery.
Other side effects of Keppra include changes in mood and behaviour, skin reactions such as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, and blood disorders. It is important to monitor these side effects and seek medical advice if they occur. Additionally, patients should not stop taking Keppra suddenly without consulting a doctor, as this can worsen seizures or cause them to occur more frequently.
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Keppra may cause severe skin reactions, such as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
Although rare, Keppra (levetiracetam) may cause severe skin reactions such as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN). These severe skin reactions can lead to death if not treated. SJS is a life-threatening mucocutaneous reaction, characterised by necrosis and detachment of the epidermis from the skin. The overall incidence of SJS is seen in five cases per million people per year.
If you develop a rash, stop taking levetiracetam and contact your healthcare provider immediately. Seek emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms of SJS or TEN: painful red or purple skin that looks burned and peels off, or a flat red rash or blisters on your skin, mouth, nose, and genitals.
Other side effects of levetiracetam include changes in mood or behaviour, problems with coordination, unusual tiredness or weakness, decreased alertness, blood disorders, and suicidal thoughts or actions. It is important to tell your doctor if you become pregnant while using this medicine. Your doctor may also want to check your progress at regular visits, especially during the first few months of taking the medicine.
In terms of muscle pain, there are some reports of people experiencing muscle pain and soreness after taking Keppra. However, it is not clear if Keppra is the direct cause of the muscle pain in these cases, as other factors may be involved. It is always recommended to consult with a doctor or healthcare professional for personalised advice and to report any side effects while taking Keppra or any other medication.
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It can also lead to suicidal thoughts and mood changes
Keppra (levetiracetam) is a brand-name drug that’s prescribed for certain types of seizures in adults and some children. Like all medicines, it can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them.
Levetiracetam may cause changes in mood or behaviour, such as aggression, agitation, anger, anxiety, lack of interest, mood swings, depression, hostility, and irritability. It may also cause hallucinations or psychotic-like behaviours. In addition, levetiracetam may cause suicidal thoughts or actions in a small number of people. If you experience any unusual changes in mood or behaviour, or have new or increased feelings of anxiety or depression, you should tell your healthcare provider right away.
It is very important that your doctor regularly monitors your progress, especially during the first few months of taking this medicine. Blood tests may be needed to check for any unwanted effects. You should not stop taking levetiracetam unless your doctor recommends it, as suddenly stopping treatment can worsen seizures or cause them not to stop.
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Blood disorders and decreased alertness are possible side effects
Keppra (levetiracetam) is a drug used to treat certain types of seizures in adults and children. It can cause a range of side effects, and it is important to be aware of these before taking the medication. While not everyone experiences side effects, it is important to monitor yourself for any unusual changes.
Decreased alertness is another possible side effect of Keppra. Somnolence, or drowsiness, has been reported in up to 15% of patients taking Keppra in clinical studies. This can impact a person's ability to drive or operate machinery, so it is important to refrain from these activities until you know how the medication affects you. The side effects of decreased alertness may wear off as your body gets used to the medication. However, if they do not improve within 1-2 weeks, consult your doctor, as they may adjust your dosage or switch you to a different medication.
In addition to blood disorders and decreased alertness, Keppra can cause other side effects, including skin reactions, mood and behavioural changes, suicidal thoughts or actions, and problems with balance and coordination. Serious skin reactions, such as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), can occur and may lead to death if untreated. It is important to seek medical advice if you experience any unusual symptoms or changes while taking Keppra.
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Frequently asked questions
Keppra (levetiracetam) is a brand-name drug that’s prescribed for certain types of seizures in adults and some children.
The common side effects of Keppra include sleepiness, dizziness, fatigue, aggression, nasal congestion, decreased appetite, irritability, and headaches.
Yes, Keppra may cause muscle pain. It is recommended that you consult your doctor if you experience any unusual side effects.
Yes, Keppra may cause serious side effects such as serious skin reactions, problems with blood cells, suicidal thoughts or actions, and changes in mood or behavior.
If you experience side effects while taking Keppra, you should consult your doctor or pharmacist for advice. Do not stop taking the medication unless advised by a medical professional.
