Levesam 250 Tablet

LEVESAM 250 TABLET

LEVESAM 250 TABLET, manufactured by Abbott, is an antiepileptic medication used in the management of seizures.

Composition

Each tablet contains Levetiracetam 250 mg as the active ingredient.

Uses

LEVESAM 250 TABLET is prescribed to control various types of seizures associated with epilepsy. This includes partial-onset seizures (in patients aged 1 month and older), myoclonic seizures (in patients aged 12 years and older with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy), and primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures. It can be used alone or in conjunction with other antiepileptic drugs to reduce the frequency and severity of seizures.

Dosage and Administration

Take LEVESAM 250 TABLET orally with or without food, exactly as directed by your doctor. Swallow the tablet whole; do not crush, break, or chew it. It is typically taken twice daily, at the same time each day, to maintain consistent levels in the body. Do not stop taking this medicine abruptly, as sudden discontinuation can worsen seizures.

Side Effects

Common side effects may include sleepiness, dizziness, fatigue, headache, decreased appetite, and nasal congestion. Behavioral changes such as aggression, agitation, anger, anxiety, or irritation may also occur. More serious side effects can include severe allergic reactions and changes in mood or thoughts of self-harm.

Precautions

• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Use with caution. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to conceive, or breastfeeding, as levetiracetam passes into breast milk.
• Alcohol: Avoid or limit alcohol consumption while taking LEVESAM 250 TABLET, as it can increase drowsiness and dizziness.
• Driving and Machinery: This medicine may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how it affects you.
• Kidney/Liver Problems: Use with caution in patients with kidney or liver issues; dose adjustments and regular monitoring may be necessary.
• Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor about all medicines, supplements, or herbal products you are currently taking to avoid potential interactions.

Storage

Store LEVESAM 250 TABLET at room temperature, below 30°C, in a cool and dry place. Protect it from direct sunlight and moisture, and keep it out of the sight and reach of children.

LEVESAM 250 TABLET contains Levetiracetam, an antiepileptic medicine used to treat various types of seizures in individuals with epilepsy. This medication works by stabilizing abnormal electrical activity in the brain to help prevent seizures.

Here are some frequently asked questions about LEVESAM 250 TABLET:

What is LEVESAM 250 TABLET used for?

LEVESAM 250 TABLET is primarily used to treat epilepsy by controlling different types of seizures. It is approved for partial-onset seizures (with or without secondary generalization) in adults, adolescents, children, and infants from 1 month of age. It also manages myoclonic seizures in adults and adolescents from 12 years of age with Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy, and primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures in adults and adolescents from 12 years of age with Idiopathic Generalized Epilepsy. It can be used alone (monotherapy) or in combination with other anti-epileptic drugs (adjunctive therapy).

How does LEVESAM 250 TABLET work?

LEVESAM 250 TABLET contains Levetiracetam, which is an anticonvulsant medication. It works by binding to specific sites known as SV2A proteins on nerve cell surfaces within the brain. This action helps to regulate nerve signal transmission, suppress abnormal electrical activity of nerve cells, and prevent the spread of electrical signals that cause seizures. Ultimately, it decreases abnormal excitement in the brain.

What is the usual dosage for LEVESAM 250 TABLET?

The dosage of LEVESAM 250 TABLET varies depending on the patient's age, weight, and the specific type of seizure being treated. For adults and adolescents 16 years and older, treatment typically starts with 500 milligrams (mg) taken twice a day. The dose may be increased by 500 mg twice a day every two weeks, up to a recommended daily dose of 1500 mg twice daily (total 3000 mg per day). For children, the dose is calculated based on body weight and age, starting from as young as 1 month for partial-onset seizures. Always follow your doctor's specific instructions, and try to take the medicine at the same time each day.

What are the possible side effects of LEVESAM 250 TABLET?

Common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, headache, infection, irritability, mood changes, fatigue, and decreased appetite. These side effects are often more noticeable during the first few weeks of treatment and may lessen as your body adjusts to the medication.

More serious but less common side effects can include significant mood and behavior changes such as anxiety, aggression, depression, hostility, or even suicidal thoughts or behavior. Other serious effects can include problems with coordination or unsteady walking, and severe allergic reactions (e.g., rash, hives, swelling of the face/lips/tongue/throat, difficulty breathing) or serious skin reactions like Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Report any concerning or severe side effects to your doctor immediately.

Is LEVESAM 250 TABLET safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

During Pregnancy: It is crucial to continue taking LEVESAM 250 TABLET if you are pregnant, as uncontrolled seizures can harm both you and your baby. Do not stop taking it suddenly. Discuss your pregnancy or plans to conceive with your doctor, as they may need to review your medication and adjust the dose. Taking a high dose of folic acid (5 mg a day) is recommended before and during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Current research suggests that taking levetiracetam during pregnancy does not increase the risk of serious birth defects. Your doctor may also suggest enrolling in a pregnancy registry for seizure medications to help gather more safety information.

During Breastfeeding: Levetiracetam can pass into breast milk. If your doctor or health visitor confirms your baby is healthy, you can usually continue taking levetiracetam while breastfeeding. However, monitor your baby for any signs of drowsiness, poor feeding, or unusual irritability. If you were taking levetiracetam during pregnancy, your dose may need to be reduced after childbirth. Some evidence indicates that levetiracetam might reduce breast milk supply in some women.

Can LEVESAM 250 TABLET be taken with other medications?

Levetiracetam, the active ingredient in LEVESAM 250 TABLET, is generally known for having fewer drug interactions compared to some other antiepileptic drugs. It can be used as an add-on therapy with other antiepileptic medications.

However, caution is advised with certain medications, particularly those that can increase drowsiness or central nervous system (CNS) depression, such as benzodiazepines, certain antidepressants, and antipsychotics, as these can heighten side effects like drowsiness and confusion. Some other epilepsy medications (e.g., carbamazepine, lamotrigine, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin) and a laxative called macrogol might interact, potentially requiring dose adjustments. It's important to inform your doctor and pharmacist about all prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking to avoid potential interactions. You should also avoid or limit alcohol consumption while taking this medicine as it can increase drowsiness.

What precautions should be taken while taking LEVESAM 250 TABLET?

Do not stop taking LEVESAM 250 TABLET suddenly without consulting your doctor, as abrupt discontinuation can lead to an increase in seizure frequency or severity. Your doctor will likely recommend a gradual dose reduction if the medication needs to be stopped.

Regular check-ups with your doctor, especially during the initial months of treatment, are important to monitor the medicine's effectiveness and to check for any unwanted effects, potentially requiring blood tests.

Because LEVESAM 250 TABLET can cause dizziness, drowsiness, or coordination problems, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how the medication affects you.

Report any new or worsening mood or behavior changes, including depression, anxiety, agitation, aggression, or suicidal thoughts, to your doctor immediately.

If you have kidney problems, inform your doctor, as dose adjustments may be necessary. Also, be aware of and report any signs of serious allergic reactions or severe skin reactions.

What happens if a dose of LEVESAM 250 TABLET is missed?

If you miss a dose of LEVESAM 250 TABLET, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten one. It is important to take your medicine regularly, as missing doses can potentially trigger a seizure.

How should LEVESAM 250 TABLET be stored?

LEVESAM 250 TABLET should be stored in a closed container at room temperature, typically between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), with excursions permitted to 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F). Keep the medication away from excessive heat, moisture, and direct light. It should also be kept out of the reach of children. Do not store outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.