KEPPRATRANSCRIPT (page 1 of 3)If you suffer from seizures, you may be prescribed Keppra. You may also be familiarwith its generic name; Levetiracetam. Keppra is a high alert medication, which meansif you do not take it exactly as prescribed it may cause illness or injury.To understand how Keppra works, let’s look at how seizures are caused in your body.Your brain is constantly firing information and messages to the rest of your body,telling you what to think, what to feel and what to do. When you suffer from seizures,your brain is firing messages that are out of control.Keppra slows down the uncontrolled electrical activity in your brain that causesseizures.Keppra comes in a tablet, extended release tablet or liquid. Your healthcare providerwill decide how much you need to take and how best to take it.Keppra is a powerful medication. Some people should not take it. Do not take Keppraif you are allergic to the ingredients in it.If you are pregnant, or planning to get pregnant, tell your healthcare provider beforetaking Keppra. A different medication may be safer for you and your baby. Do notbreastfeed while taking Keppra.Before taking Keppra, tell your healthcare provider if you have a history of: kidneydisease, or depression.In case of emergency, wear an alert bracelet and carry a wallet card to let allhealthcare providers know you are taking Keppra.Before taking Keppra, give your healthcare provider a complete list of all othermedications you use, including vitamins and herbal supplements.20% gradient meshSome side effects of Keppra include: dizziness, feeling tired, loss of appetite, increasedblood pressure, vomiting, and stuffy nose.healthclipshealthclipsIf you do notice any of these side effects, contact your healthcare provider about howto manage them.healthclipsBe aware that you are at an increased risk of falling while taking Keppra. Get up from ahealthclipssitting or lying position slowly.(Continued on next page)4% gradient meshThis program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, orsuitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.hc_md_10033_98_en_t00002.pdf healthclips© Milner-Fenwick, Inc.5% gradient meshKEPPRATRANSCRIPT (page 2 of 3)Do not drive or operate heavy machinery, including your car, until you know howKeppra affects you.Be aware that drinking alcohol while taking Keppra can increase certain side effectsand can make your seizure condition worse.If you have an allergic reaction like: trouble breathing, hives, or swelling of your faceor throat; call 911. If you have: hallucinations, change in mood and thoughts, severetingling or numbness, pain, muscle weakness, feeling tired, problems walking, skinrash, or a fever; call your healthcare provider right away.This is not the complete list of side effects. Make sure you discuss all possible sideeffects with your healthcare provider.Take Keppra exactly as prescribed. Do not change your dose or take it for longer thanprescribed.When taking a Keppra extended release tablet, always swallow the tablet whole withplenty of water. Do not cut, break, chew, crush, or dissolve the extended releasemedication.If you have been prescribed liquid Keppra, use a dose measuring spoon or medicinecup to make sure you get the correct amount. Do not use a regular kitchen spoon.Keppra is usually taken once or twice a day, with or without food. Take yourmedication at the same time each day to avoid missing a dose. Try setting an alert onyour phone or watch so you don’t forget.If you miss a dose, take your Keppra as soon as possible. If it is almost time for yournext dose, skip your missed dose and return to your normal medication schedule.20% gradient meshDo not double dose. If you think you have taken too much Keppra, call 911. Anoverdose can lead to death.healthclipsEven if you feel fine, do not stop taking your medication unless your healthcarehealthclipsprovider tells you to. If you suddenly stop taking this medication you may have anincreased risk of seizures.healthclips(Continued on next page)healthclips4% gradient meshThis program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, orsuitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.hc_md_10033_98_en_t00002.pdf healthclips© Milner-Fenwick, Inc.5% gradient meshKEPPRATRANSCRIPT (page 3 of 3)Store Keppra away from moisture and direct sunlight. Your bathroom medicinecabinet is not the best place because of moisture. Do not leave your medication whereit could get too hot or too cold.Always store your medication out of sight and out of reach of children to preventaccidents.When you are done taking Keppra tablets, crush all of your remaining pills and mixthem with undesirable trash like kitty litter or coffee grounds. Dispose of liquid Keppraby flushing it down a drain or toilet.Do not sell or give your Keppra to anyone else. It is against the law and can seriouslyharm anyone else taking it. Contact your local police station for more information onproper disposal directions.Keppra can help you manage seizures. But it is a powerful medication that shouldonly be taken exactly as prescribed. If you have any questions about Keppra, ask yourhealthcare provider and pharmacist for more information.20% gradient meshhealthclipshealthclipshealthclipshealthclips4% gradient meshThis program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, orsuitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.hc_md_10033_98_en_t00002.pdf healthclips© Milner-Fenwick, Inc.5% gradient mesh
