Levetiracetam
Also known as: Keppra
What it's for
Levetiracetam prevents and controls epileptic seizures. It can be used alone or with other epilepsy medicines. It works by calming electrical activity in the brain.
Comes as: Tablets, liquid, or granules
How to take it
- Adults: Usually start at 500mg twice daily, increased gradually.
- Maximum usually 1500mg twice daily.
- Take at the same times each day.
- You can take it with or without food.
Doses here are typical. Always follow the instructions from your prescriber or on the packet — they come first.
Common side effects
- Drowsiness or tiredness
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Mood changes or irritability
The leaflet inside the packet lists all known side effects.
Important safety points
- Do not stop suddenly - seizures may increase
- May affect your mood - report depression or aggression
- May cause drowsiness - take care when driving
- Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems
Get medical help urgently if…
- You have thoughts of harming yourself
- You have severe mood changes, aggression, or confusion
- You have a severe skin reaction
- Your seizures get worse or change
Call NHS 111 for urgent advice, or 999 if someone is seriously unwell.
Before you act on anything here
This page is general information, written to help you understand — it is not personal medical advice and it cannot tell you what is right for you. Talk to your own GP, pharmacist or nurse about your own health.
- Need help now but it's not an emergency? Call NHS 111 or use 111.nhs.uk.
- Emergency? Call 999 or go to A&E.