Levesam Oral Solution
Levetiracetam (500mg/5ml)
by Abbott
bottle of 100 ml Oral Solution
About this medicine
Levesam Oral Solution is an anti-epileptic medicine used to treat seizures (fits) in epilepsy. It can be used alone or along with other medicines. It helps to prevent seizures for as long as you continue to take it. Levesam Oral Solution suppresses the abnormal electrical activity in the brain. You can take it with or without food but try to take it at the same time each day to get the most benefit. The dose will depend on your condition and how you respond to the medicine. Your doctor will advise the right dose for you. It is generally advised as a long-term treatment. You should continue taking it for as long as your doctor has told you to, even if you feel well. If you stop or miss doses your seizures could get worse. Some common side effects of this medicine include headache, irritation, sleepiness, behavior changes, aggressive behavior, and decreased appetite. Side effects are more common during the first few weeks and usually lessen as your body gets used to the medicine. Most of these side effects do not need medical attention, but some of them can be serious. A small number of people being treated with this medicine have had thoughts of harming or killing themselves. Contact your doctor if your mood changes for the worse. Before taking it, you should tell your doctor if you have kidney problems, depression, or suicidal thoughts and if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Your doctor may suggest regular blood tests to monitor your kidney function while taking this medicine.
Uses
- Treatment of Epilepsy/Seizures
Benefits
In treatment of Epilepsy/Seizures
Levesam Oral Solution belongs to a group of medicines called anticonvulsants (or anti-epileptics). It works by slowing down electrical signals in the brain which cause seizures (fits). This medicine can be used to control various types of seizures—myoclonic, partial-onset, and primary generalized tonic-clonic (or grand mal). It can also help reduce symptoms such as confusion, uncontrollable jerking movements, loss of awareness, and fear or anxiety. The medicine can allow you to do some activities that you would otherwise be forbidden or scared to do (such as swimming and driving). It can take a few weeks for this medicine to work (because the dose has to be increased slowly) and during this time you may still have seizures. You should continue taking it even if you feel well and are not having any seizures. Missing doses may trigger a seizure. Do not stop using this medicine until your doctor advises you.
How it works
Levesam Oral Solution is an antiepileptic medication. It works by attaching to specific sites (SV2A) on the surfaces of nerve cells. This suppresses the abnormal activity of the nerve cells in the brain and prevents the spread of electrical signals that cause seizures.
How to use
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Check the label for directions before use. Measure it with a measuring cup and take it by mouth. Shake well before use. Levesam Oral Solution may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
Common side effects
- Sleepiness
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Decreased appetite
- Behavioral changes
- Aggressive behavior
- Irritation
- Agitation
- Nasal congestion (stuffy nose)
- Infection
- Convulsion
- Nasopharyngitis (inflammation of the throat and nasal passages)
- Nausea
- Tremors
- Vertigo
- Lethargy
Safety advice
- AlcoholUNSAFE
- It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Levesam Oral Solution.
- PregnancySAFE IF PRESCRIBED
- Levesam Oral Solution is safe to use during pregnancy. Most studies have shown low or no risk to the developing baby.
- Breast feedingSAFE IF PRESCRIBED
- Levesam Oral Solution is probably safe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug does not represent any significant risk to the baby. Monitor the baby for sleepiness and adequate weight gain.
- DrivingUNSAFE
- Levesam Oral Solution may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.
- KidneyCAUTION
- Levesam Oral Solution should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Levesam Oral Solution may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
- LiverSAFE IF PRESCRIBED
- Levesam Oral Solution is probably safe to use in patients with liver disease. Limited data available suggests that dose adjustment of Levesam Oral Solution may not be needed in these patients. Please consult your doctor. However, a lower dose may be advised in patients with severe liver disease.
If you miss a dose
If you miss a dose of Levesam Oral Solution, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Quick facts
- Chemical Class
- Pyrrolidinone & Acetamide Derivative
- Habit Forming
- No
- Therapeutic Class
- Neuro cns
- Action Class
- Synaptic vescicle 2 A protein ligand (AED)
Frequently asked questions
Can the use of Levesam Oral Solution cause sleepiness?
Yes, Levesam Oral Solution can make you feel sleepy. Therefore, during the initial phase of treatment, avoid driving, operating machinery, working at heights, or participating in potentially dangerous activities until you know how this medicine affects you.
Will the use of Levesam Oral Solution affect my fertility?
Levesam Oral Solution is not known to affect fertility in males or females. However, talk to your doctor if you are facing fertility issues during the treatment with this medicine.
I have gained weight since I started taking Levesam Oral Solution. Is it because of Levesam Oral Solution? What should I do?
Weight gain is an uncommon side effect of Levesam Oral Solution. However, the response may vary from person to person. To prevent weight gain you should take a healthy balanced diet, avoid snacking, cut down on high-calorie food items, include more vegetables and fruits in your diet, and exercise regularly. If you still have issues with your weight, consult your doctor.
How long does Levesam Oral Solution take to show its effect?
Levesam Oral Solution may take a few weeks to start working properly since the dose is increased slowly. Your seizures may continue until Levesam Oral Solution starts working completely.
For how long do I need to take Levesam Oral Solution?
You should continue to take Levesam Oral Solution for as long as your doctor advises you to. Do not stop taking it suddenly because this may increase the frequency of seizures which may be difficult to control.
Will I get addicted to Levesam Oral Solution if I use it for a long time?
No, Levesam Oral Solution is not habit-forming. No physical or psychological dependence has been reported with Levesam Oral Solution. Consult your doctor if you experience any side effects.
What symptoms can occur if someone takes an excess of Levesam Oral Solution?
Taking an excess of Levesam Oral Solution may cause sleepiness, agitation, aggression, a decrease of alertness, inhibition of breathing, and even a state of coma. In case of an overdose, immediate medical care should be provided to the patient in a nearby hospital.
How do I come off Levesam Oral Solution?
The dose of Levesam Oral Solution should be slowly reduced. You may have to take this medicine for a few months before you can stop it completely. Do not reduce the dose without asking your doctor. Inform your doctor if you get a serious side effect, such as a severe skin reaction. Your doctor may tell you to stop taking Levesam Oral Solution straight away, even if you have epilepsy.
Product details
- Manufacturer
- Abbott
- Salt composition
- Levetiracetam (500mg/5ml)
- Pack
- bottle of 100 ml Oral Solution
- Dosage form
- Syrup
- Storage
- Store below 30°C
The content above is for information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a registered medical practitioner before starting, stopping or changing any medicine.