LEPSALON™

Drug Class:

Antiepileptic / Anticonvulsant

Mechanism of Action:

Levetiracetam binds to SV2A (synaptic vesicle protein 2A) in the brain, modulating neurotransmitter release and suppressing neuronal hyperexcitability. Unlike other antiepileptics, it does not affect sodium channels or GABA pathways, which contributes to its favorable side effect profile.

Indications / Uses:

• Partial-onset seizures (with or without secondary generalization)
• Generalized tonic-clonic seizures
• Myoclonic seizures (especially in Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy)
• Seizure prevention post-neurosurgery or head trauma (off-label)
• Status epilepticus (adjunctive therapy, off-label IV use)

Dosage (Adults):

• Oral:
  • Starting dose: 500 mg twice daily
  • Usual maintenance dose: 1000–3000 mg/day in divided doses
  • Dose should be adjusted in renal impairment
• IV Use: Same dose as oral, infused over 15 minutes

Pediatric Dosage:

• Depends on age and weight
• Can be used in children as young as 1 month in oral or IV form

Warnings & Precautions:

• Monitor mood and behavior, especially in children and adolescents
• Caution in patients with psychiatric disorders
• Gradual tapering is necessary to prevent withdrawal seizures

Drug Interactions:

• Minimal clinically significant interactions
• Does not induce or inhibit liver enzymes (CYP450)
• Can be safely combined with most other antiepileptic drugs
• Alcohol may increase CNS depression

Pregnancy & Lactation:

• Pregnancy Category B (but still use with caution)
• Considered safer than some other antiepileptics
• Enters breast milk – use caution during breastfeeding

Advantages of Levetiracetam:

• Fast onset of action
• Fewer drug interactions
• Well-tolerated in most patients
• Can be initiated quickly in emergency settings