Propranolol vs. Keppra for Atrial Fibrillation and Epilepsy: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Propranolol

Levetiracetam

(Keppra)

Summary for Propranolol

Prescription only

Propranolol is a non-selective beta blocker. It helps with a range of medical conditions, including high blood pressure, tremors, and migraine prevention. Sometimes, providers prescribe propranolol off-label to ease performance anxiety. You take this medication by mouth, typically 1 to 4 times daily, depending on if you're taking the immediate-release (IR) or extended-release (ER) medication. Keep in mind the IR and ER versions don't treat the same medical conditions. Some of the more common side effects of propranolol include dizziness, tiredness, or weakness.

Indications for Propranolol

High blood pressure
Chronic chest pain
Migraine
Hypertrophic subaortic stenosis
Atrial fibrillation (A.Fib)
Heart protection after a heart attack
Tremors
Pheochromocytoma (a rare tumor of the adrenal gland)

Pros and Cons for Propranolol

Pros

Taken by mouth
Long-acting version only needs to be taken once a day
Oral solution might be a good option for people who can't swallow pills
Available as lower-cost generics

Cons

Not safe for people with asthma or certain serious heart conditions
Can hide many recognizable symptoms of low blood sugar, such as fast heart beat or tremors, which might prevent timely treatment
Missing doses or suddenly stopping propranolol can raise your risk of heart attacks

Common Side Effects for Propranolol

Dizziness
Tiredness
Feeling weak

Warnings for Propranolol

Worsening of chest pain or heart attack
Higher risk or worsening of heart failure
Hidden symptoms of low blood sugar
Hidden symptoms of overactive thyroid
Trouble breathing (bronchospastic disease)
Serious skin reactions
Greater risk during surgery

Summary for Keppra

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 Keppra

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 Keppra

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 Keppra

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 Keppra

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

Prices with our coupons for Propranolol vs. Keppra

Propranolol60 tablets / 10mg

$13.00$15.65

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Levetiracetam60 tablets / 500mg

$9.00$9.00

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Propranolol vs. Keppra

Propranolol

Levetiracetam

Summary for Propranolol

Indications for Propranolol

Pros and Cons for Propranolol

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Propranolol

Warnings for Propranolol

Summary for Keppra

Indications for Keppra

Pros and Cons for Keppra

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Keppra

Warnings for Keppra

Prices with our coupons for Propranolol vs. Keppra

Compare other Atrial Fibrillation and Epilepsy drugs

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Propranolol

Levetiracetam

Summary for Propranolol

Indications for Propranolol

Pros and Cons for Propranolol

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Propranolol

Warnings for Propranolol

Summary for Keppra

Indications for Keppra

Pros and Cons for Keppra

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Keppra

Warnings for Keppra