Keppra® Tablets for Epilepsy

Levetiracetam is an antiepileptic medicine used to help control seizures. This page explains what it is, who it suits, and how to use it safely. It also outlines access, including US delivery from Canada, and options if paying without insurance.

What Keppra Is and How It Works

Keppra® is the reference brand for levetiracetam, a broad‑spectrum anticonvulsant. It helps reduce abnormal neuronal firing, likely through binding to synaptic vesicle protein 2A (SV2A). This mechanism differs from sodium channel blockers and GABAergic agents.

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This medicine is indicated as adjunctive therapy and, in some cases, monotherapy for specific seizure types. It can be used for partial‑onset seizures in adults and children when prescribed. It is also approved for myoclonic seizures in juvenile myoclonic epilepsy and primary generalized tonic‑clonic seizures.

Clinicians often start with practical strengths. Many patients are familiar with levetiracetam 500 mg because it allows straightforward twice‑daily titration under supervision.

Who It’s For

This treatment is approved for partial‑onset seizures in adults and pediatric patients, for myoclonic seizures associated with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy, and for primary generalized tonic‑clonic seizures. People with a known hypersensitivity to levetiracetam or any component should avoid it. Those with significant renal impairment, a history of serious psychiatric symptoms, or suicide risk require careful evaluation. Older adults may need lower doses. Follow the approved label and the prescriber’s direction.

Dosage and Usage

For immediate‑release oral tablets, the usual adult schedule begins twice daily. Titration commonly occurs in 500 mg increments as tolerated, up to the labeled maximum. Swallow tablets whole with water, with or without food. Extended‑release tablets are taken once daily; do not chew, cut, or crush. Do not stop the medicine suddenly, as seizure risk may increase.

Prescriptions may specify levetiracetam 500 mg tablets as part of a stepwise plan. The actual schedule, including pediatric regimens and renal adjustments, should follow the official label. Dose changes are guided by seizure control and tolerability.

Strengths and Forms

Tablets are available in several strengths and presentations. XR denotes extended‑release. Many labels list a Keppra 500 mg tablet among common options.

• Immediate‑release tablets: 250 mg, 500 mg, 750 mg, 1000 mg
• Extended‑release tablets: 500 mg, 750 mg
• Oral solution: 100 mg/mL
• Intravenous solution (clinical use): 1000 mg/100 mL

Availability may vary by manufacturer and region.

Missed Dose and Timing

If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered unless it is close to the next scheduled time. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for the next one. Do not double doses. Keep a stable schedule each day. Set reminders to reduce omissions.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store tablets at room temperature in a dry place, away from moisture. Keep in the original container with the child‑resistant cap. Protect from excessive heat. When traveling, pack medicine in carry‑on luggage with the prescription label visible. A simple medication list can help during security checks. Do not transfer tablets to unmarked bags. For time‑zone changes, maintain the same interval between doses. If you also use injection devices for other conditions, see our overview, What Are Bd Needles, for safe handling basics.

Benefits

This medicine can be used across several seizure types, which may simplify regimens. It has minimal hepatic metabolism and few clinically significant drug interactions for most patients. Convenient tablet dosing and an available extended‑release option may support adherence. As a widely used generic, generic levetiracetam 500 mg can help with accessibility when prescribed.

Side Effects and Safety

• Somnolence and fatigue
• Dizziness or balance issues
• Irritability, agitation, or mood changes
• Headache
• Nausea, vomiting, or decreased appetite
• Nasopharyngitis or other infection symptoms

Serious risks can include behavioral changes, suicidal thoughts and behaviors, severe hypersensitivity reactions, anaphylaxis, blood cell changes, and rare severe skin reactions. Seek urgent care for rash with blistering, swelling of the face or throat, trouble breathing, or new or worsening psychiatric symptoms.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Levetiracetam has a low potential for cytochrome‑mediated interactions. Additive CNS effects can occur with alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids, or other sedatives. Methotrexate co‑administration may reduce methotrexate clearance; monitoring can be required. Probenecid can affect the inactive metabolite. Enzyme‑inducing antiepileptics may influence exposures to other medicines, though effects on this agent are limited. Renal impairment requires dosing adjustments. Use caution in pregnancy and during lactation; discuss registry enrollment and monitoring with a healthcare professional.

What to Expect Over Time

Seizure control may improve as dosing is titrated and adherence remains steady. Early effects such as sleepiness or dizziness can lessen after several days. Behavioral changes should be reported promptly. The prescriber may refine the regimen based on response and tolerability. Consistent timing, pill organizers, and proactive refills help maintain continuity.

Compare With Alternatives

Several other approved antiepileptic options may be considered by a prescriber. For sodium channel modulation and broad coverage, Lamictal (lamotrigine) is a common alternative. In some settings, Gabapentin may be used as adjunct therapy. Selection depends on seizure type, age, comorbidities, and prior response.

Pricing and Access

Canadian pricing can offer meaningful savings for many patients compared with local cash‑pay rates. Product pages display the levetiracetam 500 mg price without insurance and available package quantities. Ordering includes clear checkout steps, with taxes and fees shown before payment. US shipping from Canada is available where permitted. Our encrypted checkout protects personal and payment details.

Availability and Substitutions

Supply can vary by manufacturer and pack size. If a specific strength or format is unavailable, a prescriber may recommend another antiepileptic or an equivalent strength with a different schedule. Pharmacies may dispense another approved generic to fulfill the prescription. To maintain continuity, order levetiracetam 500 mg with a valid prescription and adequate refills. Patients who need chewable forms may use other agents such as Lamictal Chewable when appropriate.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Not all patients are candidates for this therapy. Those with severe renal impairment, a history of serious hypersensitivity to levetiracetam, or significant psychiatric instability require individualized assessment. Discuss pregnancy plans, contraception, and breastfeeding with the prescriber. Larger fills can reduce per‑tablet pricing and lessen refill gaps. Calendar reminders and automatic notifications help prevent lapses. The Epilepsy catalog can help compare options.

For budgeting, levetiracetam 500 mg Canadian pricing can be reviewed alongside pack sizes on the product page. To explore how we present medicine education across conditions, see Common Diabetes Medications in our health library.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Which seizure types is levetiracetam intended to treat in this case?
• What is the initial schedule, and when might titration be considered?
• Is extended‑release appropriate, and how would conversion be managed?
• Which symptoms should prompt urgent evaluation for mood or behavior changes?
• How should dosing be adjusted for reduced kidney function?
• What guidance applies to alcohol, driving, and other CNS depressants?
• What should be done after multiple missed doses or vomiting after a dose?

Authoritative Sources

• DailyMed: Levetiracetam Tablets
• FDA Label: Keppra Tablets
• Health Canada DPD: Levetiracetam

Start when ready: upload a valid prescription and complete checkout for express Ships from Canada to US. This information is educational and does not replace the approved label or your prescriber’s guidance.