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What Is Keppra?

Keppra is a prescription antiseizure medicine containing levetiracetam. Current oral labeling includes partial-onset seizures from age 1 month, myoclonic seizures from age 12 in juvenile myoclonic epilepsy, and primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures from age 6 in idiopathic generalized epilepsy.

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What Is Keppra?

Keppra is a prescription antiseizure medicine containing levetiracetam. Current oral labeling includes partial-onset seizures from age 1 month, myoclonic seizures from age 12 in juvenile myoclonic epilepsy, and primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures from age 6 in idiopathic generalized epilepsy.

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How Does Keppra Work?

The exact mechanism by which levetiracetam exerts its antiseizure effect is not fully established. Levetiracetam binds to synaptic vesicle protein SV2A, a protein involved in neurotransmitter release, and this interaction is associated with its antiseizure activity.

Who Is Treated With Keppra?

Keppra is used as monotherapy or adjunctive treatment for partial-onset seizures in patients age 1 month and older. It is also used as adjunctive therapy for myoclonic seizures in patients age 12 and older with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy and for primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures from age 6 with idiopathic generalized epilepsy.

How Is Keppra Dosed?

Adults age 16 and older with partial-onset seizures start at 500 mg twice daily and can increase every two weeks to 1500 mg twice daily. Pediatric dosing is weight-based and differs by age and seizure type. Adult kidney impairment requires dose adjustment based on creatinine clearance.

What Serious Risks Are Linked to Keppra?

Serious concerns include behavioral abnormalities, psychotic symptoms, suicidal thoughts or behavior, somnolence, fatigue, anaphylaxis, angioedema, serious skin reactions, DRESS, coordination problems, and blood-cell abnormalities. Keppra is withdrawn gradually to reduce the risk of increased seizure frequency or status epilepticus.

Frequently Asked Questions About Keppra

What seizure types does Keppra treat?

Current oral labeling includes partial-onset, myoclonic, and primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures under age-specific criteria.

What is the adult starting dose for partial-onset seizures?

The recommended starting dose from age 16 is 500 mg twice daily.

Does kidney impairment change Keppra dosing?

Yes. Adult doses are adjusted according to creatinine clearance.

Can Keppra be stopped suddenly?

No. Current labeling directs gradual withdrawal to reduce the risk of increased seizure frequency and status epilepticus.

References

Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial of Adjunctive Levetiracetam in Pediatric Partial Seizures. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16641323/. Date Accessed October 7, 2026.

KEPPRA (Levetiracetam) Prescribing Information. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=3ca9df05-a506-4ec8-a4fe-320f1219ab21. Date Accessed October 7, 2026.

Levetiracetam for the Treatment of Idiopathic Generalized Epilepsy With Myoclonic Seizures. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18285535/. Date Accessed October 7, 2026.

Levetiracetam: MedlinePlus Drug Information. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a699059.html. Date Accessed October 7, 2026.

Placebo-Controlled Study of Levetiracetam in Idiopathic Generalized Epilepsy. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17625106/. Date Accessed October 7, 2026.