Keppra is a medication used to treat and manage seizures in patients with epilepsy. It is a commonly prescribed drug, yet many people are unaware of its classification. Is Keppra a benzodiazepine? This article seeks to answer this question and provide an overview of Keppra, its benefits, and potential side effects.
What Is Keppra?
Keppra, also known as levetiracetam, is an anticonvulsant medication used to control seizures in people with epilepsy. It is a medication that is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is available in both brand-name and generic forms. Keppra is usually taken by mouth and is available in tablet, solution, and extended-release tablet forms.
Keppra works by decreasing the abnormal electrical activity in the brain that can lead to seizures. It is usually prescribed as an add-on therapy to other antiseizure medications, such as phenytoin or carbamazepine. It is also used to treat partial onset seizures in children aged four years or older.
Is Keppra a Benzodiazepine?
No, Keppra is not a benzodiazepine. Benzodiazepines are a class of drugs that are used to treat anxiety and insomnia. They work by increasing the effects of a neurotransmitter called GABA, which helps to relax the body and reduce anxiety. Examples of benzodiazepines include diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax), and lorazepam (Ativan).
Keppra is an anticonvulsant medication that does not work in the same way as benzodiazepines. It does not increase GABA in the brain, but rather works by decreasing the abnormal electrical activity in the brain that can lead to seizures. It is important to note that Keppra is not approved by the FDA for the treatment of anxiety or insomnia.
How Does Keppra Work?
Keppra works by decreasing the abnormal electrical activity in the brain that can lead to seizures. It is believed to do this by blocking voltage-gated calcium channels, which helps to reduce the release of neurotransmitters such as glutamate and aspartate. Keppra also increases the activity of the neurotransmitter GABA, which helps to reduce seizure activity.
Keppra is usually taken as an add-on therapy to other antiseizure medications, such as phenytoin or carbamazepine. It is also sometimes used as monotherapy to treat partial onset seizures in children aged four years or older.
Side Effects of Keppra
As with any medication, Keppra can cause side effects. Common side effects of Keppra include headache, dizziness, drowsiness, vomiting, and fatigue. More serious side effects include changes in mood or behavior, difficulty speaking, and difficulty walking.
If you experience any side effects while taking Keppra, it is important to contact your healthcare provider. They can provide advice and help you determine if the medication is right for you.
Conclusion
Keppra is an anticonvulsant medication used to control seizures in people with epilepsy. It is not a benzodiazepine, but rather works by decreasing the abnormal electrical activity in the brain that can lead to seizures. Keppra is usually taken as an add-on therapy to other antiseizure medications, but it is important to note that it is not approved by the FDA for the treatment of anxiety or insomnia. As with any medication, Keppra can cause side effects, so it is important to contact your healthcare provider if you experience any.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Keppra a Benzodiazepine?
No, Keppra (levetiracetam) is not a benzodiazepine. It is an anticonvulsant medication that is used to treat seizures in people with epilepsy. It works by decreasing abnormal excitement in the brain. It is not classified as a benzodiazepine and it does not have the same effects as benzodiazepines.
2. What type of medication is Keppra?
Keppra is an anticonvulsant medication that is used to treat seizures in people with epilepsy. It belongs to a class of medications called antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). AEDs work by decreasing abnormal excitement in the brain. Keppra is available in tablet, solution, and extended-release tablet forms.
3. What are the side effects of Keppra?
Common side effects of Keppra include drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, depression, unsteadiness, confusion, and headaches. Less common side effects that may occur include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, blurred vision, and increased appetite. In rare cases, Keppra may cause serious side effects such as severe allergic reactions, severe skin reactions, and suicidal thoughts.
4. What are the possible interactions of Keppra with other medications?
Keppra may interact with other medications, including anticoagulants, anti-seizure medications, narcotic pain relievers, sedatives, and antidepressants, as well as supplements, vitamins, and herbal products. It’s important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including over-the-counter medications, before starting Keppra.
5. What is the recommended dosage of Keppra?
The recommended dosage of Keppra depends on the patient’s age, weight, medical condition, and response to treatment. The usual starting dose for adults is 1000 mg twice daily. For children ages 4-16, the starting dose is 10 mg/kg twice daily. The dose may be increased or decreased depending on the patient’s response to treatment and the occurrence of side effects.
6. Is Keppra safe for pregnant women?
Keppra is classified as a pregnancy category C medication, which means it may not be safe for pregnant women. Animal studies have shown that this medication can cause harm to a developing fetus, but there is not enough evidence to determine if this is also true in humans. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it is important to talk to your doctor before taking this medication.
What Is Keppra? | Epilepsy
Keppra is not a benzodiazepine; it is an anticonvulsant medication that is used to treat seizures. Keppra has a unique set of benefits, including minimal side effects, that makes it a preferred choice for those who suffer from seizures. While not a benzodiazepine, Keppra is an effective and safe medication that can help to manage seizures.
