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Briviact vs. Levetiracetam

Briviact (brivaracetam) is used to treat partial-onset seizures (also known as focal onset aware seizures). It's approved for adults and children ages 1 month and older. This antiepileptic medication works by helping to calm brain activity. Briviact (brivaracetam) comes as a tablet and oral solution that you take by mouth twice a day. It also comes as an injection given into the vein (IV) by a healthcare professional when in the hospital. Side effects include drowsiness and dizziness. As of mid 2025, there's no generic version of this medication available.

• Partial-onset seizures

• Drowsiness (16%)
• Dizziness (12%)
• Tiredness (9%)
• Nausea or vomiting (5%)

• Suicidal thoughts or behavior
• Drowsiness, fatigue, dizziness, and trouble with coordination
• Unusual changes in mood, thoughts, or behavior
• Severe allergic reaction
• Withdrawal seizures

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