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Levetiracetam vs. Keppra XR

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.

• 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

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%)

• 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

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.

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

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

• 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