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Phenobarbital vs. Keppra

Phenobarbital treats seizures and is used as a sedative medication. It's a part of the barbiturate drug class. The most common side effect is sleepiness. It's a schedule IV controlled substance due to the risk of dependence. This means if you suddenly stop the medication, you could get withdrawal symptoms like weakness, muscle twitching, or even confusion and disorientation. There are no brand names available anymore, so only generic versions exist.

• Seizures
• Sedation

• Sleepiness
• Dizziness
• Poor balance or coordination

• Dependence and withdrawal
• Drowsiness
• Extreme excitement
• Dangerously slow breathing (respiratory depression)
• Harm to newborn babies

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