Eplipsa 500mg Tablets

Levetiracetam helps prevent seizures caused by epilepsy. It works by calming the signals in the brain that can set off a seizure.

It can be used alone or with other epilepsy medicines, and is usually taken long term.

Take it exactly as your doctor or pharmacist tells you, at the same times each day. Your doctor may start with a low dose and raise it slowly.

• You can take it with or without food.
• Swallow tablets whole with water; do not chew or crush them.
• For the liquid, measure each dose with the syringe or spoon supplied.
• If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless the next dose is nearly due; then skip it. Never take two doses at once.
• Do not stop taking it suddenly. If it needs to stop, your doctor will lower the dose gradually.

Common side effects include:

• feeling sleepy, tired or dizzy
• headache
• feeling sick or being sick
• shaking, or trouble controlling movements
• feeling irritable, agitated or aggressive

Get medical help straight away if you have:

• swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, or trouble breathing
• a rash with blisters, peeling skin, fever or swollen glands
• yellow skin or eyes, or dark urine
• passing much less urine, or swollen legs and ankles
• seizures that are worse or different from before
• thoughts of harming yourself, or sudden changes in mood or behaviour

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it if you:

• have had a reaction to levetiracetam before
• have kidney problems
• have depression or have had thoughts of harming yourself
• take other medicines, including methotrexate, macrogol laxatives or herbal remedies (do not take St John's wort with it)
• are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding

Keep it in the original, tightly closed container at room temperature, away from light, heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of the reach of children.

Mood: a small number of people taking epilepsy medicines have had thoughts of self-harm. Family and carers should watch for changes in mood or behaviour and tell the doctor straight away.

Driving: do not drive or use machinery if you feel sleepy or dizzy. Follow local rules on driving with epilepsy.

Alcohol: best avoided, as it can make you sleepier.

Pregnancy: do not stop it yourself; talk to your doctor, who may advise extra folic acid.