Levetiracetam
“This page provides important general information for pet owners whose animals have been prescribed Levetiracetam in Perth during a consultation by Dr Noor.”
Key Information
- Levetiracetam is given to help stop seizures from happening.
- You may give this medicine with food or on an empty stomach.
- Extended-release tablets must not be broken, split, or crushed.
- The side effects seen most often are low energy, wobbly or clumsy movement, and eating less.
- Do not stop giving this medicine all at once.
Note: This handout is meant to answer common questions. It does not include every detail about this medicine and does not replace medical guidance from your veterinary care team.
Description
This medicine is used to help control seizures.
It is a seizure-control medicine.
It comes as regular (immediate-release) tablets, long-acting (extended-release) tablets, and liquid taken by mouth.
Other common names
- Keppra
- Elepsia
- Spritam
Uses
This medicine is not specifically approved for animals, but it is approved for people. Your veterinarian may still choose to use it in animals (this is called extra-label use), including for:
- Helping prevent seizures in dogs, cats, and other animals that have epilepsy (a condition where seizures happen repeatedly).
Before this medication is given
No medicine is completely safe for every patient. Talk with your veterinarian about:
- Any other medicines or supplements your animal is taking
- Any health problems your animal has now, or has had before
- Any unwanted reactions your animal has had to medicines in the past
- The possible risks of using this medicine if your animal is pregnant or nursing
Warnings for animals
- Do not use:
- In animals that have an allergy to this medicine
- Use with caution:
- In animals that have kidney disease
Some animal competitions do not allow certain medicines. If your animal competes, check the rules while your animal is taking any medicine.
Warnings for humans
Wash your hands after you handle any medicine.
How do I give this Levetiracetam medication?
Give this medicine exactly the way your veterinarian prescribed it. Always follow the directions on the prescription label.
- You can give it with food or without food.
- Do not split or crush extended-release tablets.
- Extended-release tablets are made to release the medicine slowly over time.
- If the tablet is broken, the medicine can be released faster than it should be, which can lead to side effects.
- If you are giving the liquid form, measure it with an oral syringe, a medicine cup, or a dosing spoon.
- Do not measure it with kitchen spoons or other household measuring tools.
Side effects
- Common — contact your veterinarian if these problems are strong, keep happening, or get worse over time:
- Low energy or sleepiness
- Wobbly, clumsy, or unsteady movement
- Eating less, vomiting, or drooling
- Severe — stop giving the medicine and contact your veterinarian right away if you notice any of these signs:
- Behavior changes
- Not eating at all
How will I know it's working?
This medicine begins to work within a few hours, but you will not be able to see its effect directly.
In some animals, this medicine may become less effective over time. If your animal starts having seizures more often, contact your veterinarian.
How long will the medication effects last?
After the last dose, this medicine will no longer work within 24 hours.
If your animal’s kidneys do not work as well, the medicine may stay in the body longer.
How long do I give it for?
Animals may need this medicine for different lengths of time, but many take it for life. Keep giving it for as long as your veterinarian instructs.
- Refill the prescription on time so treatment is not interrupted.
- Do not stop giving this medicine suddenly.
- If the medicine needs to be stopped, the amount must be reduced slowly over time to help prevent side effects and seizures that can happen when stopping.
- Your veterinarian will give you instructions on how to lower the dose.
Overdose
If you see an overdose happen or think one may have happened, call your veterinarian or a pet poison control service right away (a consultation fee applies):
- Have the medicine container or label available if you can.
Missed dose
In most situations, if you forget a dose:
- Give the dose as soon as you remember, and then go back to the usual schedule.
If it is almost time for the next dose:
- Do not give the missed dose.
- Give the next dose at the regular scheduled time.
- Keep following the normal schedule.
If you are not sure what to do, call your veterinary clinic. Do not give two doses at once and do not give extra doses.
Storage
- Keep this medicine in its original container at room temperature.
- Store it where children and animals cannot reach it.
Disposal
Do not flush this medicine down a toilet and do not pour it into a sink.
Ways to get rid of unused or expired medicine include:
- Drug take back sites: This is the best option when available. To find a location near you, contact local law enforcement or your waste management office.
- Home disposal: Mix the medicine with coffee grounds or kitty litter, put it into a sealed plastic bag, and place it in the trash.
Do not keep leftover medicine for later use and do not give it to anyone else.
Questions?
Speak with your veterinarian.
“Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided as general educational material only. Every animal’s health situation is unique, and treatment decisions must be based on a full veterinary assessment. Always follow the specific instructions given during your consultation, and contact the prescribing veterinarian if you have any concerns.”