Levetiracetam (Keppra®)

Levetiracetam, also known by its brand name Keppra, is used to treat epilepsy. This medication can help to prevent seizures from happening.

Levetiracetam and brain tumours

Patients with brain tumours may use this medication to manage seizures. Researchers have found this drug to be preferable for brain tumour patients compared to other anti-epileptic medications. This is because it does not interact with other drugs the patients are likely to be taking.

Research involving levetiracetam

There have been some early studies into whether levetiracetam can increase the effectiveness of temozolomide which appear to have shown positive results. Further research is required to know whether this is effective.

Levetiracetam (Keppra) side effects

Common side effects

The most common side effects of Keppra are;

• Headaches,
• Drowsiness,
• Nausea,
• Vomiting,
• Feeling aggressive,
• Dizziness,
• And a blocked nose.

How common these are?
NHS say “These common side effects of levetiracetam may happen in more than 1 in 10 people.”

More serious side effects

More serious side effects can include;

• Worsening seizures,
• Tiredness,
• Serious changes in mental behaviour,
• Sleepiness,
• Loss of memory, Confusion,
• And uncontrolled movements.

If you have any serious side effects, you should call your doctor or emergency services immediately.

Make the right choices for you

Our Step by Step interactive guide outlines what happens following a diagnosis, to answer your questions and help you to understand what to expect.

Read our guide