Levetiracetam

Levetiracetam (INN) is an anticonvulsant medication used to treat epilepsy. It is S- enantiomer of etiracetam, structurally similar to the prototypical nootropic drug piracetam. Along with other anticonvulsants like gabapentin, it is also sometimes used to treat neuropathic pain. Levetiracetam is marketed under the trade name Keppra.

Levetiracetam has recently been approved in the United Kingdom as a monotherapy treatment for epilepsy.

Side effects

Side effects include: ataxia (sudden loss of balance); hair loss; pins and needles sensation in the extremities; psychiatric symptoms ranging from irritability to depression; and other common side effects like headache and nausea. Recent literature (and paper 2.163 in) suggests that the addition of pyridoxine (vitamin B6) may curtail some of the psychiatric symptoms. Care should be taken not to exceed maximum recommended upper intake level (UL) dosages

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