From the Guidelines
Keppra (levetiracetam) is not commonly associated with significant weight gain, unlike other anti-seizure medications such as valproate or carbamazepine, as evidenced by the lack of direct mention in studies like 1. When considering the potential for weight gain with Keppra, it's essential to look at the broader context of anti-seizure medications. The study 1 discusses how several antiepileptic drugs may cause weight gain, specifically mentioning valproate, carbamazepine, vigabatrin, and gabapentin, but does not directly address Keppra. Key points to consider include:
- Weight gain is a known side effect of some antiepileptic drugs, which can have negative effects on health and life expectancy 1.
- The mechanism of weight gain with these medications may involve changes in insulin sensitivity and effects on peripheral endocrine glands 1.
- While Keppra is not highlighted as a cause of significant weight gain, monitoring weight changes is crucial for patients on any anti-seizure medication to detect potential issues early. Given the information available and the focus on minimizing morbidity, mortality, and maximizing quality of life, if weight gain is a concern, patients should discuss lifestyle modifications and potential medication adjustments with their healthcare provider. Regular monitoring and open communication with healthcare providers are key to managing any potential side effects of Keppra or other medications.
From the FDA Drug Label
Adverse events were usually mild to moderate in intensity (%) (Adverse Events Occurred In At Least 1% Of Levetiracetam- Treated Patients And Occurred More Frequently Than Placebo-Treated Patients) ... weight gain Other events reported by at least 1% of adult levetiracetam-treated patients but as or more frequent in the placebo group were the following: ... weight gain
Weight Gain is listed as an adverse event that occurred in at least 1% of adult levetiracetam-treated patients, but it was also reported in the placebo group at a similar or higher frequency.
- Key Points:
- Weight gain is a potential adverse event associated with levetiracetam.
- The frequency of weight gain in levetiracetam-treated patients was not significantly higher than in placebo-treated patients. 2
From the Research
Keppra and Weight Gain
- Keppra (levetiracetam) is not typically associated with weight gain, according to several studies 3, 4, 5, 6.
- A review of weight issues in people with epilepsy found that levetiracetam is a weight-neutral antiepileptic drug (AED) 3.
- A clinical trial analyzing the effects of levetiracetam on body weight in adult patients found no significant changes in body weight 4.
- Another study on the effects of treatment on endocrine function in patients with epilepsy noted that levetiracetam is a weight-neutral agent, whereas valproate is associated with weight gain 5.
- A review of levetiracetam's use in epilepsy stated that it is not associated with cognitive impairment or drug-induced weight gain 6.
- An earlier study on levetiracetam as a novel antiepileptic drug also did not mention weight gain as a common adverse effect 7.