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Levetiracetam ER Coupon - Levetiracetam ER 500mg tablet

levetiracetam ER

Generic Keppra XR
Used for Epilepsy
Used for Epilepsy

Extended-release levetiracetam, also known by the brand name Keppra XR, is an anti-seizure medication. It's used to treat focal aware (partial-onset) seizures in people ages 12 years and older. This medication comes as a tablet that's taken by mouth once per day with or without food. The typical dosage ranges from 1,000 mg to 3,000 mg per day, depending on how well it keeps your seizures under control. Side effects include sleepiness and irritability.

Last reviewed on April 16, 2025
basics-icon

What is Levetiracetam ER (Keppra XR)?

What is Levetiracetam ER (Keppra XR) used for?

How Levetiracetam ER (Keppra XR) works

Levetiracetam ER (Keppra XR) is an antiepileptic (another name for anti-seizure medication). It's not entirely clear how it works. But the medication seems to stop nerve cells in the brain from releasing certain chemicals. This helps calm your brain activity and prevent seizures from happening.

When does Levetiracetam ER (Keppra XR) start working?
Time passed since treatment started:
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Initial effect
Full effect

Drug Facts

Common BrandsKeppra XR
Drug ClassAntiepileptic
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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Avg retail price
$360.79(save 94.51%)
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$19.80
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What are the side effects of Levetiracetam ER (Keppra XR)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Flu-like symptoms (8%)
  • Sleepiness (8%)
  • Irritability (7%)
  • Cold-like symptoms (7%)

Other Side Effects

  • Dizziness
  • Nausea

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Unusual changes in mood, thoughts, or behavior
  • Thoughts of hurting yourself or suicide
  • Serious allergic reaction: hives; severe rash; trouble breathing; swelling of the face, mouth, lips, or throat
  • Serious skin reaction: painful blisters, skin reddening, or skin peeling; with or without sore throat, fever, tiredness, or rash
  • Low blood cell counts: severe weakness, fever, getting sick more often, bleeding or bruising more easily
When do Levetiracetam ER (Keppra XR) possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Sleepiness
Dizziness
Mood or behavior changes
Risk of serious allergic reaction or skin reaction
Seek immediate medical care if you experience this side effect.
If a line continues to the right, you'll likely keep experiencing this side effect once it starts.

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Aggressive or angry

anxiety

change in personality

chills

cough

crying

deep or fast breathing with dizziness

delusions of persecution, mistrust, suspiciousness, or combativeness

diarrhea

dry mouth

false or unusual sense of well-being

feeling of unreality

fever

general feeling of discomfort or illness

headache

hoarseness

irregular heartbeat

irritability

joint pain

loss of appetite

lower back or side pain

mental depression

muscle aches and pains

nausea

numbness of the feet, hands, and around the mouth

painful or difficult urination

quick to react or overreact emotionally

rapidly changing moods

restlessness

sense of detachment from self or body

shaking

shivering

sleepiness or unusual drowsiness

sore throat

stuffy or runny nose

sweating

trouble sleeping

unusual tiredness or weakness

vomiting

Less common

Bloody nose

burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings

clumsiness or unsteadiness

discouragement

dizziness or lightheadedness

double vision

earache

feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings

feeling sad or empty

increase in body movements

loss of bladder control

loss of memory

mood or mental changes

outburst of anger

pain or tenderness around the eyes and cheekbones

problems with memory

redness or swelling in the ear

seizures

sensation of spinning

shakiness and unsteady walk

shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet

tightness of the chest

trembling or shaking of the hands or feet

trouble concentrating

unsteadiness, trembling, or other problems with muscle control or coordination

Incidence not known

Attempts at killing oneself

being forgetful

bleeding gums

blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin

bloating

blood in the urine or stools

bloody, black, or tarry stools

blurred vision

changes in vision

chest pain

coma

confusion

constipation

dark urine

difficulty with moving

fast heartbeat

fever with or without chills

general feeling of tiredness or weakness

high fever

increased thirst

indigestion

itching

large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs

light-colored stools

muscle pains or stiffness

pains in the stomach, side, or abdomen, possibly radiating to the back

pale skin

pinpoint red spots on the skin

red skin lesions, often with a purple center

red, irritated eyes

skin rash, encrusted, scaly, and oozing

sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth

stomach pain, continuing

swelling of the face, ankles, or hands

swollen glands

swollen joints

thoughts or attempts at killing oneself

trouble with balance

twitching, twisting, or uncontrolled repetitive movements of the tongue, lips, face, arms, or legs

uncontrolled jerking or twisting movements of the hands, arms, or legs

uncontrolled movements of the lips, tongue, or cheeks

unexplained bleeding or bruising

unusual bleeding or bruising

upper right abdominal or stomach pain

weight loss

yellow eyes or skin

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Loss of strength or energy

muscle pain or weakness

pain

tender, swollen glands in the neck

trouble swallowing

unusual weak feeling

voice changes

Less common

Body aches or pain

burning, dry, or itching eyes

change in the color of the skin

congestion

cough increased

sneezing

Incidence not known

Hair loss or thinning of the hair

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Levetiracetam ER (Keppra XR)

thumbs-up

Pros

Taken by mouth once a day with or without food

Doesn't cause weight gain

Usually tolerated well

thumbs-down

Cons

Can't crush tablets and doesn't have a liquid option

Not for children younger than 12 years of age

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Levetiracetam ER (Keppra XR)

pharmacist
  • Take levetiracetam ER (Keppra XR) once a day with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, it might be helpful to take the medication with food next time.

    • Swallow levetiracetam ER (Keppra XR) whole. Don't crush, cut, or chew the tablet to avoid too much medication to get released into the body too quickly. If you or your child has trouble swallowing the tablet whole, ask the prescriber about other options. They might suggest switching to the immediate-release form of the medication, which has a liquid version, or to a different antiepileptic.

      • It's common to feel sleepy and dizzy while taking levetiracetam ER (Keppra XR). Don't drive or do anything you need to focus until you know how this medication affects you.

        • It's a good idea to avoid alcohol or limit how much you drink while taking levetiracetam ER (Keppra XR). Alcohol can make side effects like sleepiness and dizziness more intense.

          • Some people can have changes in mood, thoughts, and behavior while taking levetiracetam ER (Keppra XR). Some people might be more irritable or aggressive. But others might also be more anxious, sad, or moody. Talk to your prescriber if you notice any mood or behavior changes that worry you.

            • Levetiracetam ER (Keppra XR) can raise the risk of having suicidal thoughts. Call 911 as soon as possible if you or your loved ones notice that you have thoughts of harming yourself.

              • Don't lower your dose or suddenly stop taking levetiracetam ER (Keppra XR) without talking to your prescriber first. Doing this too fast can make your seizures come back or get worse. Follow your prescriber's instructions to lower your dose slowly over time to stop the medication completely. Keep an eye on how well your seizures are controlled while you work with your prescriber to stop the medication.

                faqs

                Frequently asked questions about Levetiracetam ER (Keppra XR)

                Is levetiracetam ER (Keppra XR) a controlled substance?
                No, levetiracetam ER (Keppra XR) isn't a controlled substance. It doesn't have a risk of being misused, addictive, or habit-forming. The medication also doesn't cause physical dependence.
                Is levetiracetam ER (Keppra XR) a benzodiazepine?
                No, levetiracetam ER (Keppra XR) isn't a benzodiazepine. Instead, it's known as an antiepileptic. Some benzodiazepines can help treat seizures, but they work in a different way than levetiracetam ER (Keppra XR) to calm brain activity. These benzodiazepines are mostly used in emergency seizure situations (status epilepticus). But levetiracetam ER (Keppra XR) is usually taken every day to keep seizures at bay.
                Can levetiracetam ER (Keppra XR) be crushed?
                No, don't crush levetiracetam ER (Keppra XR). Also don't chew or break the tablets. Breaking the tablet coating can cause too much medication to get released into the body too fast. Swallow levetiracetam ER (Keppra XR) whole. If you have trouble swallowing it whole, ask your prescriber about other options, like switching to the liquid form of immediate-release levetiracetam (Keppra).
                How long does levetiracetam ER (Keppra XR) stay in your system?
                It takes about 35 hours for most of levetiracetam ER (Keppra XR) to leave the body after one dose. This time frame is estimated based on the half-life of levetiracetam. But it can stay in your system longer if you have kidney problems or are older in age. This is because the kidneys help remove the medication from the system. If the kidneys don't work as well (like with kidney issues or older age), the medication can stay in the body longer. Ask your prescriber for more information about how long levetiracetam ER (Keppra XR) stays in your system.
                Does levetiracetam ER (Keppra XR) cause weight gain?
                No, levetiracetam ER (Keppra XR) doesn't typically cause weight gain as a side effect. This can be an advantage over some other seizure medications. Talk to your prescriber if you notice any weight changes that worry you while taking levetiracetam ER (Keppra XR). They can suggest tips to help you manage your weight.
                What's the difference between Keppra and Keppra XR?
                Keppra and Keppra XR are both seizure medications with the same active ingredient, levetiracetam. The key differences are how often you take them and what types of seizures they treat. Keppra is an immediate-release tablet that's taken twice a day. Keppra XR is the extended-release version that's taken once a day. Both treat focal aware (partial-onset) seizures. But Keppra is also an add-on treatment for juvenile myoclonic epilepsy and generalized tonic-clonic seizures. Ask your prescriber to learn more about the differences between Keppra and Keppra XR.
                Can you take levetiracetam ER (Keppra XR) while pregnant?
                If you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk to your prescriber about the risks and benefits of taking levetiracetam ER (Keppra XR). It's one of the "safer" seizure medications during pregnancy. But the amount of levetiracetam ER (Keppra XR) in the body can go down during pregnancy. This might raise your risk of having a seizure. So your prescriber might adjust your dose to help keep your seizures under control. If you're taking levetiracetam ER (Keppra XR) while pregnant, you can join the North American Antiepileptic Drug (NAAED) Pregnancy Registry. This program helps researchers learn more about how the medication affects pregnancy.
                Is it safe to breastfeed while taking levetiracetam ER (Keppra XR)?
                Talk to your prescriber about the risks and benefits of breastfeeding while taking levetiracetam ER (Keppra XR). This medication can pass into breast milk and possibly affect your baby (make them sleepier or have trouble gaining weight). Your prescriber can help you decide if it's safe to breastfeed during treatment.
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                What are the risks and warnings for Levetiracetam ER (Keppra XR)?

                Levetiracetam ER (Keppra XR) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                risk-warning

                Abnormal mood, thoughts, or behavior

                • Risk factors: Children | History of mental health problems, such as depression, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder

                  Levetiracetam ER (Keppra XR) can sometimes cause changes in mood, thoughts, or behavior. It can make some people irritable, aggressive, and possibly anxious or paranoid. Other people might feel sad or have mood swings.

                  If you or your loved ones see a change in your mood or thoughts while taking levetiracetam ER (Keppra XR), let your prescriber know. Parents should also talk to the prescriber if they see any unusual mood or behavior changes in their child during treatment.

                  risk-warning

                  Suicidal thoughts or behavior

                  • Risk factors: Taking other anti-seizure medications

                    Antiepileptic medications, including levetiracetam ER (Keppra XR), can raise your risk of having thoughts of suicide or harming yourself. This risk can appear as early as 1 week after you start taking the medication.

                    Speak with your prescriber if you or your loved ones notice any worsening signs of depression while you're taking levetiracetam ER (Keppra XR). Call 911 right away if you or anyone around you notices that you have suicidal thoughts or behavior.

                    risk-warning

                    Difficulty with speech, movement, and concentration

                    • Risk factors: Taking high doses of levetiracetam ER (Keppra XR) | Taking other medications that can cause sleepiness or dizziness

                      It's possible for levetiracetam ER (Keppra XR) to cause side effects like trouble focusing, speech or language problems, and problems with coordination. It can also make people feel dizzy, sleepy, and tired. This can lower your ability to think, react, and focus.

                      You're more likely to have these side effects if you take other medications that also make you sleepy, dizzy, or tired. Examples include benzodiazepines, muscle relaxants, and sleep medications.

                      Be sure you know how levetiracetam ER (Keppra XR) affects you before driving or doing anything that needs your full attention. Talk to your healthcare team if you feel too sleepy or have trouble with coordination while taking this medication.

                      risk-warning

                      Serious allergic reactions and skin reactions

                      Severe, life-threatening allergic reactions to levetiracetam ER (Keppra XR) can happen. They can include face swelling, throat closing, and anaphylaxis. It can also cause a rare reaction called drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS). In addition, levetiracetam ER (Keppra XR) can cause serious skin reactions like Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN).

                      Allergic reactions can happen at any time while taking levetiracetam ER (Keppra XR). For some, serious skin reactions happened within the first 2 to 3 weeks of taking the medication. And for others, they happened several months later.

                      Stop taking levetiracetam ER (Keppra XR) and get medical attention right away if you have painful blisters, red skin, or skin peeling. These skin reactions can happen with or without sore throat, fever, tiredness, or rash. Call 911 if your face swells up or if you have trouble breathing.

                      risk-warning

                      Withdrawal seizures

                      • Risk factors: Stopping levetiracetam ER (Keppra XR) suddenly

                        Don't stop taking levetiracetam ER (Keppra XR) without talking to your prescriber first. Stopping antiepileptic medications suddenly can cause seizures to come back.

                        If you need to stop taking levetiracetam ER (Keppra XR), your prescriber will tell you how to do this in a safe way. Most of the time, they'll slowly lower your dose before you can stop taking it completely.

                        risk-warning

                        Low blood cell counts

                        Although rare, levetiracetam ER (Keppra XR) can lower your blood cell counts. This can sometimes put you at risk for anemia, infection, and bleeding or bruising. Tell your care team if you have any symptoms like fever, chills, shortness of breath, weakness, or frequent infections. Also let them know about any unusual bruising or bleeding. These can be symptoms of a low blood cell count. Your prescriber can check if they're low with a blood test called a complete blood count (CBC).

                        risk-warning

                        Seizure control during pregnancy

                        The levels of levetiracetam ER (Keppra XR) in the body can go down during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester. When the levels are lower, the medication might not work as well to control seizures.

                        If you're pregnant, you should follow up with your prescriber more often. They'll check how well levetiracetam ER (Keppra XR) is working for you during pregnancy. Your dose might need to get adjusted later in your pregnancy to help keep seizures under control.

                        dosage

                        Levetiracetam ER (Keppra XR) dosage forms

                        The average cost for 120 tablets of 500mg of Levetiracetam ER (Keppra XR) is $24.00 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 93.35% off the average retail price of $360.79.
                        tablet
                        Tablet
                        DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                        500mg120 tablets$24.00$0.20
                        750mg60 tablets$19.80$0.33

                        Typical dosing for Levetiracetam ER (Keppra XR)

                        For adults and children 12 years and older weighing 110 lbs or more: The typical dose ranges from 1,000 mg to 3,000 mg by mouth once per day.

                        Your dose might differ if you have kidney problems.

                        More on Levetiracetam ER (Keppra XR) dosage forms

                        interactions

                        Interactions between Levetiracetam ER (Keppra XR) and other drugs

                        Levetiracetam ER (Keppra XR) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Levetiracetam ER (Keppra XR). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                        Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                        Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

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                        How much does Levetiracetam ER (Keppra XR) cost?

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                        alternatives

                        What are alternatives to Levetiracetam ER (Keppra XR)?

                        There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Levetiracetam ER (Keppra XR). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                        Levetiracetam ER (Keppra XR)
                        Used for:
                        $19.80 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                        Used for:
                        $9.00 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                        Used for:
                        • Seizures (partial seizures, tonic-clonic seizures)

                        • Seizures of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome - immediate-release only

                        • Bipolar disorder - immediate-release only

                        $9.00 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                        images

                        Levetiracetam ER (Keppra XR) images

                        White Oval Hh And 172 - Levetiracetam 500mg Extended-Release Tablet
                        This medicine is White, Oval Tablet Imprinted With "172" And "Hh".White Oval Hh And 172 - Levetiracetam 500mg Extended-Release Tablet
                        White Oval Lxr 500 And Apo - Levetiracetam 500mg Extended-Release Tablet
                        This medicine is White, Oval Tablet Imprinted With "Lxr 500" And "Apo".White Oval Lxr 500 And Apo - Levetiracetam 500mg Extended-Release Tablet
                        White Oblong L008 - Levetiracetam 500mg Extended-Release Tablet
                        This medicine is White, Oblong Tablet Imprinted With "L008".White Oblong L008 - Levetiracetam 500mg Extended-Release Tablet
                        White Oblong L008 - Levetiracetam 500mg Extended-Release Tablet
                        This medicine is White, Oblong Tablet Imprinted With "L008".White Oblong L008 - Levetiracetam 500mg Extended-Release Tablet

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                        References

                        Best studies we found

                        Abou-Khalil, B. (2008). Levetiracetam in the treatment of epilepsy. Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment.

                        Berlin, M., et al. (2019). Therapeutic levetiracetam monitoring during pregnancy: "Mind the gap". Therapeutic Advances in Chronic Disease.

                        Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®). (2024). Levetiracetam. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.

                        GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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