Can stopping Keppra (levetiracetam) cause weight loss?

From the Guidelines

Stopping Keppra (levetiracetam) is unlikely to cause significant weight loss, as it is considered a weight-neutral medication. According to a study published in Gastroenterology in 2017 1, levetiracetam is considered weight-neutral, meaning it does not typically cause significant weight gain or loss. This is in contrast to other anti-seizure medications like topiramate and zonisamide, which are associated with weight loss, or gabapentin, pregabalin, and valproic acid, which are associated with weight gain. Some key points to consider when stopping Keppra include:

• The medication should not be stopped suddenly or without medical supervision, as this can trigger seizures.
• If weight gain has occurred while taking Keppra, it is likely due to other factors, as Keppra itself is not typically associated with weight changes.
• Patients who are concerned about weight issues related to Keppra should speak with their neurologist about their concerns, as they may be able to adjust the dosage or switch to another medication if necessary. It's also important to note that the study 1 emphasizes the importance of using weight-neutral or weight-loss promoting medications when possible, and selecting the lowest dose required to produce clinical efficacy for the shortest duration necessary to minimize weight gain.

From the Research

Stopping Keppra and Weight Loss

• Stopping Keppra (levetiracetam) may not have a significant impact on weight loss, as levetiracetam is considered a weight-neutral antiepileptic drug (AED) 2, 3.
• A study analyzing data from four prospective, placebo-controlled randomized clinical trials found no significant changes in body weight in patients treated with levetiracetam 3.
• Another study reviewing weight issues in people with epilepsy noted that levetiracetam is not associated with substantial weight changes 2.
• There is no direct evidence to suggest that stopping Keppra would lead to weight loss, as the drug's effect on weight is considered neutral 3, 4.

Weight Changes and Antiepileptic Drugs

• Some AEDs are associated with weight loss, such as felbamate, topiramate, and zonisamide 2.
• Other AEDs, like gabapentin, pregabalin, valproic acid, and vigabatrin, are associated with weight gain 2.
• Levetiracetam, however, is considered a weight-neutral AED, meaning it does not significantly affect body weight 2, 3.

Clinical Implications

• The weight-neutral effect of levetiracetam makes it a suitable option for patients who are concerned about weight changes due to AED treatment 3.
• Regular weight monitoring is still essential in clinical practice, regardless of the AED used, to ensure optimal patient care 2.