Effects of levetiracetam: A Synthesis of Findings from 6 Studies

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Original Abstract of the Article

Major Research Findings

Levetiracetam is an effective treatment for refractory focal epilepsy. The onset of action of levetiracetam occurs within two days of starting treatment and continues to improve with increasing serum concentrations. 3

The pharmacokinetics of levetiracetam can be affected by co-administration of other antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). However, levetiracetam dosage adjustments are generally not required based on the type of AEDs being co-administered. 2

Levetiracetam has been associated with a number of adverse effects, including somnolence, headache, asthenia, accidental injury, dizziness, and infection. 5

The efficacy of levetiracetam is dose-dependent. Higher doses of levetiracetam are associated with greater reductions in seizure frequency. 1

Pyridoxine (vitamin B6) may be a safe and effective add-on therapy for controlling levetiracetam-induced behavioral adverse effects in children. 6

Benefits and Risks

Benefit Summary

Levetiracetam is an effective treatment for refractory focal epilepsy. The onset of action of levetiracetam occurs within two days of starting treatment. 3

Risk Summary

Levetiracetam has been associated with a number of adverse effects, including somnolence, headache, asthenia, accidental injury, dizziness, and infection. 5

Comparison between Studies

Commonalities

All studies consistently demonstrated that levetiracetam is an effective treatment for refractory focal epilepsy. 3 2 5 1 4 6

Differences

The pattern of adverse effects associated with levetiracetam may vary between studies. For example, levetiracetam may have a higher propensity to cause adverse effects in children. 6

Consistency and Discrepancies in Results

There is consistent evidence demonstrating that levetiracetam is an effective treatment for refractory focal epilepsy. However, the pattern of adverse effects associated with levetiracetam may vary between studies. 3 2 5 1 4 6

Practical Considerations

Levetiracetam is an effective treatment for refractory focal epilepsy. It is generally safe and well-tolerated, but it is important to be aware of the potential for adverse effects. If you are taking levetiracetam and experience any adverse effects, consult with your doctor. 3 2 5 1 4 6

Limitations of Current Research

While there is a substantial body of research on the efficacy and safety of levetiracetam, studies evaluating the long-term effects of levetiracetam remain limited. 3 2 5 1 4 6

Future Research Directions

Further research is needed to evaluate the long-term effects of levetiracetam. 3 2 5 1 4 6

Conclusion

Levetiracetam is an effective treatment for refractory focal epilepsy. It is generally safe and well-tolerated, but it is important to be aware of the potential for adverse effects. 3 2 5 1 4 6

If you are considering taking levetiracetam, consult with your doctor. 3 2 5 1 4 6

Literature analysis of 6 papers
Positive Content
6
Neutral Content
0
Negative Content
0
Article Type
5
1
0
1
6
1.

Dose-response effect of levetiracetam 1000 and 2000 mg/day in partial epilepsy.

Author: BoonP, ChauvelP, Pohlmann-EdenB, OtoulC, WroeS

Reduced seizure frequency
Asthenia
Dizziness
Headache
Infection
Pain
Pharyngitis
Somnolence

Levetiracetam is an effective and well-tolerated add-on therapy for patients with refractory partial seizures. Both 1000 mg/day and 2000 mg/day doses of levetiracetam significantly reduced seizure frequency compared to placebo, with a greater responder rate for the higher dose. The most common side effects were headache, asthenia, infection, somnolence, pharyngitis, dizziness, and pain.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Multicenter StudyResearch conducted in collaboration with multiple research institutions. It aims to collect a wide range of data and obtain more generalizable results.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : English

2.

Effects of antiepileptic comedication on levetiracetam pharmacokinetics: a pooled analysis of data from randomized adjunctive therapy trials.

Author: PeruccaE, GidalB E, BaltèsEugène

Dose independent pharmacokinetics
Few drug interactions

Levetiracetam pharmacokinetics at steady state were not significantly affected by gender or comedication with other antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). While levetiracetam concentrations tended to be lower in patients receiving enzyme-inducing AEDs and higher in patients receiving valproic acid, the differences were modest. Therefore, no major dosage adjustments are anticipated based on concomitant AED use.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Clinical Trial, Phase IIIA Phase III trial is a trial that further rigorously verifies the efficacy and safety of a new drug or treatment, whose efficacy and safety have been confirmed in a Phase II trial, in a large number of patients, and evaluates whether it is superior to existing treatments.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : English

3.

Onset of action of levetiracetam: a RCT trial using therapeutic intensive seizure analysis (TISA).

Author: StefanHermann, Wang-TilzYing, PauliElisabethe, DennhöferStephanie, GenowAlexandra, KerlingFrank, LorberBogdan, FraunbergerBritta, HalboniPetra, KoebnickCorinna, GefellerOlaf, TilzChristian

Reduce seizure

Levetiracetam (LEV) had a significant effect on seizure duration as early as the second treatment day.

Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : English

4.

Neuropsychological and neurophysiologic effects of carbamazepine and levetiracetam.

Author: MeadorK J, GevinsA, LoringD W, McEvoyL K, RayP G, SmithM E, MotamediG K, EvansB M, BaumC

Neuropsychological effects

Levetiracetam (LEV) produced fewer untoward neuropsychological and neurophysiologic effects than carbamazepine (CBZ) in healthy adults.

Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, N.I.H., ExtramuralResearch funding provided by the NIH to external research institutions and researchers.

Language : English

5.

The adverse effects profile of levetiracetam in epilepsy: a more detailed look.

Author: MbizvoGashirai K, DixonPete, HuttonJane L, MarsonAnthony G

Epilepsy treatment
Infection
Somnolence

Levetiracetam is a commonly used medication for epilepsy, but its full adverse effects profile is still under investigation. This review examines common and uncommon adverse effects of levetiracetam, including somnolence, headache, asthenia, accidental injury, dizziness, infection, pharyngitis, pain, rhinitis, abdominal pain, flu syndrome, vomiting, diarrhea, convulsion, nausea, increased cough, anorexia, upper respiratory tract infection, hostility, personality disorder, urinary tract infection, nervousness, depression, aggression, back pain, agitation, emotional liability, psychomotor hyperactivity, pyrexia, rash, ECG abnormalities, decreased appetite, nasal congestion, irritability, abnormal behavior, epistaxis, insomnia, altered mood, anxiety, bloody urine, diplopia, dissociation, memory impairment, pruritis, increased appetite, acne, and stomach discomfort. Somnolence and infection were the only significantly associated adverse effects. The review updates the adverse effects profile data on levetiracetam by empirically reporting common and uncommon effects and analyzing their relative importance statistically.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Meta-AnalysisA statistical technique that integrates the results of multiple studies to draw more general conclusions about a particular issue.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

6.

Pyridoxine Add-On Treatment for the Control of Behavioral Adverse Effects Induced by Levetiracetam in Children: A Case-Control Prospective Study.

Author: MarinoSilvia, VitalitiGiovanna, MarinoSimona Domenica, PavonePiero, ProvvidentiSimona, RomanoCatia, FalsaperlaRaffaele

LEV-induced BAE control

Pyridoxine supplementation was safe and effective in controlling levetiracetam-induced behavioral adverse effects in children.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : English

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