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Levetiracetam (Keppra) is a medication used for managing seizures, but it comes with several important safety warnings and precautions. It's crucial to understand these risks and follow guidance from your healthcare provider when using this medication.

• Mood and Behavioral Changes: This medication can alter your mood, potentially causing irritability, aggression, anxiety, paranoia, depression, or withdrawal. If you or your child experience any mood changes, inform your healthcare provider. Individuals with a history of mental health conditions, such as depression, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder, may be at higher risk.

• Suicidal Thoughts or Behavior: There is an increased risk of suicidal thoughts or actions when taking levetiracetam (Keppra), which can occur as soon as one week after starting the medication. Seek immediate medical help if you notice suicidal thoughts, anxiety, panic attacks, sleep difficulties, anger, or other unusual behaviors. This risk is heightened if you are also taking other anti-seizure medications.

• Cognitive and Motor Impairment: Levetiracetam (Keppra) can affect brain function, leading to speech, concentration, and movement difficulties, as well as dizziness and sleepiness. These side effects may be more pronounced if you are taking other medications that cause drowsiness or dizziness, such as benzodiazepines, muscle relaxants, or sleep aids.

• Severe Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may experience severe allergic reactions, including facial swelling or anaphylaxis, and serious skin conditions like Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis.

• Withdrawal Seizures: Do not abruptly discontinue levetiracetam (Keppra) without consulting your healthcare provider, as this can lead to withdrawal seizures. If discontinuation is necessary, your provider will guide you on how to gradually reduce the dosage.

• Low Blood Cell Counts: Although rare, this medication can lower blood cell counts, increasing the risk of anemia, infection, and bleeding. Your provider may conduct blood tests to monitor your blood cell levels. Report any symptoms such as fever, chills, weakness, unusual bruising, or bleeding to your provider.

• Increased Blood Pressure in Young Children: In children under four years old, levetiracetam (Keppra) may cause elevated blood pressure. Regular monitoring of your child's blood pressure during treatment is advised. Notify the provider if there are any concerns.

• Seizure Risks During Pregnancy: The effectiveness of levetiracetam (Keppra) may decrease during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester, due to lower medication levels. Pregnant individuals should have regular follow-up appointments for seizure management, and dosage adjustments may be necessary.

Please consult your healthcare provider for more information and before making any changes to your medication regimen.

When taking this medication, some common side effects may occur, particularly during the initial weeks as your body adjusts. For adults, these include weakness and sleepiness which affect about 15% of users, headaches (14%), infections (13%), and dizziness (9%). In children, headaches (19%), common cold symptoms (15%), vomiting (15%), sleepiness (13%), tiredness (11%), aggression (10%), stuffy nose (9%), lowered appetite (8%), and irritability (7%) are noted. Typically, these side effects are mild and improve over time. However, if they persist or worsen, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider.

More serious side effects, though rare, require immediate medical attention. These include potential loss of coordination, significant mood changes such as irritability or aggression, signs of anemia like persistent unusual tiredness, easy bruising, or bleeding. There is also a small risk of depression or suicidal thoughts. If you or those around you notice any sudden changes in behavior, mood, or thoughts, it's crucial to seek medical help promptly.

This medication can also cause a skin rash, which is generally not severe. However, because it can be confused with a rare but serious reaction, any rash should be reported to a healthcare provider immediately. Although a severe allergic reaction is very rare, symptoms such as fever, swollen lymph nodes, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing require urgent medical attention. Always communicate with your healthcare provider about any unexpected side effects you experience.