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Compare Keppra vs. Briviact

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Levetiracetam (Keppra) and brivaracetam (Briviact) are both antiepileptic medications used to treat seizures, but they have some differences. Levetiracetam is available in both generic and brand forms, while brivaracetam is only available as the brand Briviact. Levetiracetam can be taken as an immediate-release tablet, extended-release tablet, or liquid, and is usually taken once or twice a day. Brivaracetam, on the other hand, is typically taken twice daily and comes as a tablet, oral solution, and injection. Levetiracetam is not a controlled substance, whereas brivaracetam is a Schedule V controlled substance, meaning it has some potential for abuse and dependence. Common side effects of levetiracetam include sleepiness, weakness, and headaches, while brivaracetam often causes drowsiness and dizziness.

  • Levetiracetam (Keppra)
    Briviact (brivaracetam)
  • Levetiracetam (Keppra)
    Briviact (brivaracetam)

  • Summary of Keppra vs. Briviact

    Summary for Antiepileptic
    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.

    Summary for Antiepileptic
    Prescription only

    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.

  • Indications of Keppra vs. Briviact

    Indications for
    •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
    Indications for
    •Partial-onset seizures

  • Pros and Cons of Keppra vs. Briviact

    Pros and Const for Antiepileptic
    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)
    Pros and Const for Antiepileptic
    Pros
    •Can help control seizures if other medications aren't working well enough
    •Usually don't need to check medication levels through blood draws
    •Available as a tablet and liquid (for people who can't swallow pills)
    Cons
    •Need to take twice a day
    •Might not be the best option if you have mood problems (e.g., depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder)
    •Can make seizures come back if you stop taking it all of a sudden

  • Common Side Effects of Keppra vs. Briviact

    Common Side Effects for

    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. <br> 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%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Drowsiness (16%)
    •Dizziness (12%)
    •Tiredness (9%)
    •Nausea or vomiting (5%)

  • Warnings of Keppra vs. Briviact

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

  • Prices with our coupons for Keppra vs. Briviact

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