Compare Keppra vs. Sabril
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Levetiracetam (Keppra) and Vigabatrin (Sabril) are both antiepileptic medications used to treat seizures, but they have some key differences. Levetiracetam is available in both immediate-release and extended-release forms, and it can be taken as a tablet or liquid. It is used for partial-onset seizures, myoclonic seizures, and generalized tonic-clonic seizures. Vigabatrin, on the other hand, is available as a tablet and a powder for oral solution and is used for complex partial seizures and infantile spasms. One major difference is that Vigabatrin carries a risk of permanent vision loss and is only available through a special REMS program, which requires regular eye exams. Levetiracetam does not have this risk but can cause mood changes, especially in children. Both medications can cause dizziness and should not be stopped suddenly to avoid withdrawal seizures. Levetiracetam is generally considered safer during pregnancy compared to Vigabatrin, which has limited research on its safety for pregnant people.
- Levetiracetam (Keppra)Vigabatrin (Sabril)
- Levetiracetam (Keppra)Vigabatrin (Sabril)
Summary of Keppra vs. Sabril
Summary for AntiepilepticPrescription onlyImmediate-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 AntiepilepticPrescription onlyVigabatrin (Sabril) can treat certain types of seizures: infantile spasms and complex partial seizures. It's available as a powder that's made into a solution and a tablet, both of which you take by mouth. The medication is typically taken twice daily. Vigabatrin (Sabril) is only available through the Vigabatrin Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program because of the risk for permanent vision loss due to eye damage. Other side effects include sleepiness and dizziness. This medication is available as brand-name and lower-cost generic versions.
Indications of Keppra vs. Sabril
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 olderIndications for•Difficult-to-treat complex partial seizures in people age 2 years and older (as add-on therapy to other medications)•Infantile spasms in children age 1 month to 2 yearsPros and Cons of Keppra vs. Sabril
Pros and Const for AntiepilepticPros•Available as tablets and a liquid (liquid recommended for children weighing 44 lbs or less)•Taken by mouth with or without food•Usually tolerated wellCons•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 AntiepilepticPros•A recommended medication for treating infantile spasms•Doesn't require regular blood work to check medication levels•Available as a tablet and oral solution•Available as a lower-cost generic formCons•Can cause weight gain, especially in children•Can raise the risk for suicidal thoughts or behaviors•Can cause permanent vision lossCommon Side Effects of Keppra vs. Sabril
Common Side Effects forSide 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 forAdults
•Headache (33%)•Dizziness (24%)•Tiredness (23%)•Drowsiness (22%)•Uncontrolled shaking (15%)•Common cold symptoms (14%)•Blurred vision (13%)•Eye twitching (13%)•Diarrhea (10%)•Nausea (10%)•Joint pain (10%)•Abnormal coordination (6%)Children age 3 to 16 years (for complex partial seizures)
•Weight gain (15%)•Upper respiratory tract infection (e.g., cough, common cold; 15%)•Tiredness (10%)Children age 1 month to 2 years (for infantile spasms)
•Upper respiratory tract infection (up to 51%)•Middle ear infection (up to 44%)•Fever (up to 29%)•Irritable behavior (up to 23%)•Vomiting (up to 20%)•Sleepiness (up to 19%)Warnings of Keppra vs. Sabril
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 pregnancyCommon Side Effects for•Permanent vision loss•Abnormal brain MRI in young children•Suicidal thoughts or behavior•Withdrawal seizures after stopping the medication suddenly•Low red blood cell counts (anemia)•Difficulty concentrating, extreme sleepiness or tiredness, and dizziness•Nerve pain in adults•Weight gainPrices with our coupons for Keppra vs. Sabril
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