From the Guidelines
The most common side effects of levetiracetam include CNS depression, as noted in the most recent and highest quality study 1. When starting levetiracetam, it's essential to be aware of these potential effects and monitor for their occurrence.
- Side effects often improve over time as the body adjusts to the medication.
- If side effects persist or worsen, consult your healthcare provider. Levetiracetam works by binding to SV2 and influencing SV2-dependent neurotransmitter release in the brain, which can affect various neurological functions. This mechanism of action explains why CNS depression is common, as the medication influences brain activity. To minimize side effects, levetiracetam is often started at a low dose and gradually increased.
- A typical starting dose is 500 mg twice daily for adults, which may be increased to 1000-2000 mg daily in divided doses based on response and tolerability, as recommended in the study 1.
- Taking the medication with food may help reduce gastrointestinal side effects. It's crucial to take levetiracetam regularly as prescribed and not to stop abruptly, as this can increase the risk of seizures. Always discuss any concerns or side effects with your healthcare provider to ensure safe and effective treatment. The study 1 provides the most recent and highest quality evidence for the side effects of levetiracetam, and its findings should be prioritized in clinical decision-making.
From the FDA Drug Label
(Adverse Events Occurred In At Least 1% Of Levetiracetam- Treated Patients And Occurred More Frequently Than Placebo-Treated Patients) tem Anorexia32 Nervous System Somnolence158 Dizziness94 Depression42 Nervousness42 Ataxia31 Vertigo31 Amnesia21 Anxiety21 Hostility21 Paresthesia21 Emotional Lability20 Respiratory System Pharyngitis64 Rhinitis43 Cough Increased21 Sinusitis21 Special Senses Diplopia21
The most common side effects of Levetiracetam (Keppra) are:
- Somnolence (15.8%)
- Dizziness (9.4%)
- Pharyngitis (6.4%)
- Depression (4.2%)
- Nervousness (4.2%)
- Anorexia (3.2%)
- Ataxia (3.1%)
- Vertigo (3.1%)
- Amnesia (2.1%)
- Anxiety (2.1%)
- Hostility (2.1%)
- Paresthesia (2.1%)
- Emotional Lability (2%)
- Rhinitis (4.3%)
- Cough Increased (2.1%)
- Sinusitis (2.1%)
- Diplopia (2.1%) 2
From the Research
Common Side Effects of Levetiracetam
The most common side effects of Levetiracetam include:
- Somnolence (sleepiness) 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
- Asthenia (weakness) 3, 4, 5, 7
- Dizziness 3, 4, 5, 7
- Infection 4, 7
- Headache 6, 7
- Fatigue 6, 7
- Vomiting 6, 7
- Behavioral alterations 6
Less Common Side Effects of Levetiracetam
Less common side effects of Levetiracetam include:
- Accidental injury 7
- Pharyngitis 7
- Pain 7
- Rhinitis 7
- Abdominal pain 7
- Flu syndrome 7
- Diarrhea 7
- Convulsion 7
- Nausea 7
- Increased cough 7
- Anorexia 7
- Upper respiratory tract infection 7
- Hostility 7
- Personality disorder 7
- Urinary tract infection 7
- Nervousness 7
- Depression 7
- Aggression 7
- Back pain 7
- Agitation 7
- Emotional liability 7
- Psychomotor hyperactivity 7
- Pyrexia 7
- Rash 7
- ECG abnormalities 7
- Decreased appetite 7
- Nasal congestion 7
- Irritability 7
- Abnormal behaviour 7
- Epistaxis 7
- Insomnia 7
- Altered mood 7
- Anxiety 7
- Bloody urine 7
- Diplopia 7
- Dissociation 7
- Memory impairment 7
- Pruritis 7
- Increased appetite 7
- Acne 7
- Stomach discomfort 7
Rare Side Effects of Levetiracetam
Rare side effects of Levetiracetam include: