Abstract

AN OVERVIEW OF THE RARE AND LIFE-THREATENING ADVERSE EFFECTS OF LEVETIRACETAM

Khadeeja Nizamudeen*, Sowparnika Treasa Sabu and Shaiju S. Dharan

Abstract

Background: Epilepsy is a central nervous system (neurological) disorder in which brain activity becomes abnormal, causing seizures or periods of unusual behavior, sensations, and sometimes loss of awareness. Anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) are the main type of treatment for most people with epilepsy. Levetiracetam is one of the newer second-generation antiepileptic drugs with multiple mechanisms of action. It is a broad-spectrum antiepileptic drug that was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration in 1999 and marketed worldwide since 2000. It approved as a treatment of partial seizures; other indications include adjunctive treatment of myoclonic seizures associated with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy and primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures associated with generalized epilepsy. Overall, most of people with epilepsy discontinue their drug due to rare and life-threatening adverse effects. Method: This review paper was prepared by referring research and review article from various sites like Pubmed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Seizure Journal, Elsevier, Medscape, WHO Pharma Newsletter, Research Gate, Springer Link, Online library Wiley. The search was made using keywords like Levetiracetam, Keppra, Mechanism of action, Adverse events(neurobehavioural, renal, hepatic, dermatological, haematological, respiratory). Observation: Newer anti-epileptics are being favored in many clinical settings for seizure prophylaxis due to their good safety profile. Levetiracetam has become one of the most commonly used antiepileptic in current practice for treatment as well as prophylaxis against seizures. Though safe and free of major side effects when comparing to older AED, it is however prudent to note that there are reports of serious adverse effects following levetiracetam, ranging from headache to organ failure. Common side effects include dizziness, somnolence, weakness, fatigue, irritability and headache. Rare but potentially serious adverse events include hypersensitivity reactions, rash and cognitive effects including suicidal ideation and behavior. It is advisable to keep the patient informed of such possible side effects with the use of newer AED like levetiracetam.

Keywords: Levetiracetam, Keppra, Adverse events.