Levetiracetam vs. Keppra XR for Epilepsy: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Levetiracetam

(Keppra)

Levetiracetam ER

(Keppra XR)

Summary for Levetiracetam

Prescription only

Immediate-release levetiracetam is a seizure medication for adults and children. It's known as the brand names Keppra and Roweepra, and it also has a generic version. This medication comes as a tablet and liquid that's taken twice each day. The dosage depends on your age, weight, and the type of seizure you have. Levetiracetam (Keppra) doesn't have any known interactions with food or medications. Common side effects include weakness, sleepiness, and headache.

Indications for Levetiracetam

Focal aware (partial-onset) seizures in people ages 1 month and older
Add-on treatment for myoclonic seizures from juvenile myoclonic epilepsy in people ages 12 years and older
Add-on treatment for generalized tonic-clonic seizures in people ages 6 years and older

Pros and Cons for Levetiracetam

Pros

Available as tablets and a liquid (liquid recommended for children weighing 44 lbs or less)
Taken by mouth with or without food
Usually tolerated well

Cons

Need to take twice per day
Might cause changes in behavior or mood
Might not be the best option if you have a history of mental health problems (e.g., depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder)

Common Side Effects for Levetiracetam

Side effects were reported by people with focal aware seizures taking levetiracetam (Keppra) with other seizure medications. Side effects might differ for other seizure types.
Adults:

Weakness (15%)
Sleepiness (15%)
Headache (14%)
Infection (13%)
Dizziness (9%)

Children:

Headache (19%)
Common cold symptoms (15%)
Vomiting (15%)
Sleepiness (13%)
Tiredness (11%)
Being aggressive (10%)
Cough (9%)
Stuffy nose (9%)
Upper stomach pain (9%)
Lower appetite (8%)

Warnings for Levetiracetam

Abnormal mood, thoughts, or behavior
Suicidal thoughts or behavior
Difficulty with speech, movement, and concentration
Serious allergic reactions and skin reactions
Withdrawal seizures
Low blood cell counts
Higher blood pressure in young children
Seizure control during pregnancy

Summary for Keppra XR

Prescription only

Extended-release levetiracetam, also known by the brand name Keppra XR, is an anti-seizure medication. It's used to treat focal aware (partial-onset) seizures in people ages 12 years and older. This medication comes as a tablet that's taken by mouth once per day with or without food. The typical dosage ranges from 1,000 mg to 3,000 mg per day, depending on how well it keeps your seizures under control. Side effects include sleepiness and irritability.

Indications for Keppra XR

Focal aware (partial-onset) seizures in people ages 12 years and older

Pros and Cons for Keppra XR

Pros

Taken by mouth once a day with or without food
Doesn't cause weight gain
Usually tolerated well

Cons

Can't crush tablets and doesn't have a liquid option
Not for children younger than 12 years of age
Can cause changes in behavior or mood

Common Side Effects for Keppra XR

Flu-like symptoms (8%)
Sleepiness (8%)
Irritability (7%)
Cold-like symptoms (7%)

Warnings for Keppra XR

Abnormal mood, thoughts, or behavior
Suicidal thoughts or behavior
Difficulty with speech, movement, and concentration
Serious allergic reactions and skin reactions
Withdrawal seizures
Low blood cell counts
Seizure control during pregnancy

Prices with our coupons for Levetiracetam vs. Keppra XR

Levetiracetam60 tablets / 500mg

$9.00$9.00

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Levetiracetam ER60 tablets / 500mg

$19.29$24.33

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Levetiracetam vs. Keppra XR

Levetiracetam

Levetiracetam ER

Summary for Levetiracetam

Indications for Levetiracetam

Pros and Cons for Levetiracetam

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Levetiracetam

Warnings for Levetiracetam

Summary for Keppra XR

Indications for Keppra XR

Pros and Cons for Keppra XR

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Keppra XR

Warnings for Keppra XR

Prices with our coupons for Levetiracetam vs. Keppra XR

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Levetiracetam

Levetiracetam ER

Summary for Levetiracetam

Indications for Levetiracetam

Pros and Cons for Levetiracetam

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Levetiracetam

Warnings for Levetiracetam

Summary for Keppra XR

Indications for Keppra XR

Pros and Cons for Keppra XR

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Keppra XR

Warnings for Keppra XR