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Knowing that your seizures are under control allows you the freedom to live Life on Your Terms. When seizures are under control, you're free to focus on social activities with family and friends, enjoying fitness and other recreational activities, attaining your goals at school or on the job... you're free to focus on life. That's where Keppra comes in. Keppra is proven to reduce seizure frequency. It works to control even tough seizures.
As with any medicine, people who take Keppra may experience some side effects. Most people don't find the side effects bothersome enough to stop taking Keppra. In fact, in clinical studies, Keppra was not associated with some of the side effects that people with epilepsy may find most problematic. For instance, when compared to placebo:
- Keppra showed no increased risk of these cosmetic side effects: weight gain, gum hyperplasia
- Keppra showed no increased risk of these life-disrupting side effects: blurred vision, glaucoma, insomnia
- Keppra showed no increased risk of these life-threatening side effects: kidney stones, dangerous rash, hyponatremia (dangerously low sodium levels in the body)
Safety and Common Side Effects
If you experience side effects, be sure to discuss them with your doctor. Don't stop taking Keppra without your doctor's supervision and advice.
Adults
The most common side effects with Keppra in adults are:
- sleepiness
- weakness
- dizziness
- infection
These side effects could happen at any time but occur most often within the first 4 weeks of treatment except for infection.
Keppra may cause the following serious problems in adults. Call your healthcare provider right away if you get any of the following symptoms:
- extreme sleepiness, tiredness, and weakness
- problems with muscle coordination (problems walking and moving)
- mood and behavior changes such as aggression, agitation, anger, anxiety, apathy, mood swings, depression, hostility, and irritability
A few people may get psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are really not there), delusions (false or strange thoughts or beliefs) and unsual behavior. A few people may get thoughts of suicide.
Do not drive, operate machinery, or do other dangerous activities until you know how Keppra affects you. Keppra may make you dizzy or sleepy.
Children
The most common side effects with Keppra in children are, in addition to those seen in adults are:
- sleepiness
- accidental injury
- hostility
- irritability
- weakness
These side effects could happen at any time. These are not all the side effects of Keppra. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist. If your child has any side effects that concern you, call your healthcare provider.
Keppra may cause the following serious problems in children. Call your child's healthcare provider right away if he or she gets any of the following symptoms:
- extreme sleepiness, tiredness, and weakness
- mood and behavior changes such as aggression, agitation, anger, anxiety, apathy, depression, hostility, and irritability
Special Concerns for Children and Teens
Children and teens may have special concerns and questions when it comes to taking Keppra. Be sure to work with your neurologist to best understand your child or teen’s needs.
Pregnancy and Birth Control
Women with epilepsy are often concerned about how their epilepsy medicines affect birth control, pregnancy, and breast-feeding. Here are some of the questions that women frequently ask about Keppra.
Will my birth control pill still work while I'm taking Keppra?
There are no known clinically significant drug interactions with Keppra. Ask your doctor for more information.
What if I get pregnant?
Keppra has not been tested in pregnant women. Let your doctor know right away if you become pregnant or want to become pregnant while taking Keppra. UCB, Inc. has established the Keppra Pregnancy Registry to advance scientific knowledge about safety and outcomes associated with pregnant women being treated with Keppra. To ensure broad program access and reach, either your healthcare provider or you can initiate enrollment.
For more information about the Keppra Pregnancy Registry, talk to your doctor or call 1-888-537-7734 (1-888-KEP-PREG).
What about breast-feeding?
Keppra can pass into breast milk and may harm your baby. You should choose to either take Keppra or breast feed, but not both.
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