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.
