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Spritam vs. Levetiracetam

Spritam, the brand name for levetiracetam tablets for suspension, is an antiepileptic. This medication is FDA approved for treating different kinds of seizures in adults and children. There are two ways you can take Spritam (levetiracetam). You can place the tablet on the tongue where it breaks apart and then swallow with a small amount of liquid. Or, you can mix the tablet with a small amount of liquid in a cup and then swallow the mixture right away. The dose is typically taken twice per day. Common side effects include weakness, sleepiness, and headache. There isn't a generic available for Spritam (levetiracetam) yet.

• Partial-onset seizures in people 4 years and older weighing more than 44 lbs
• Myoclonic seizures from juvenile myoclonic epilepsy in people 12 years and older (as add-on treatment)
• Generalized tonic-clonic seizures in people 6 years and older (as add-on treatment)

Adults:

• Weakness (15%)
• Sleepiness (15%)
• Headache (14%)
• Infection (13%)
• Dizziness (9%)
• Pain (7%)

Children:

• Headache (19%)
• Common cold symptoms (15%)
• Vomiting (15%)
• Sleepiness (13%)
• Tiredness (11%)
• Aggression (10%)
• Cough (9%)
• Stuffy nose (9%)
• Stomach pain (9%)
• Lower appetite (8%)
• Abnormal behavior (7%)
• Dizziness (7%)
• Irritability (7%)
• Throat pain (7%)

• Abnormal mood, thoughts, or behavior
• Suicidal thoughts or behavior
• Sleepiness, tiredness, and problems with concentration and coordination
• Risk of serious allergic reaction or serious skin reaction
• Withdrawal seizures if you stop taking Spritam (levetiracetam) suddenly
• Low blood cell counts
• Higher blood pressure in young children

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