Effects of levetiracetam injection: A Synthesis of Findings from 6 Studies

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Original Abstract of the Article

Major research findings

Levetiracetam (LEV) is an anti-epileptic drug that has been shown to be effective in treating drug-resistant focal epilepsy. Several studies provide information on the onset of action of LEV and its side effects. 3 showed that the onset of clinical effect of LEV occurs two days after drug initiation. 5 reported that the most common side effects of LEV are somnolence, headache, asthenia, accidental injury, and dizziness. It also noted that infection occurred significantly more often in the LEV group. 2 demonstrated that the pharmacokinetics of LEV is not significantly affected by commonly used antiepileptic drugs, suggesting that LEV dosage adjustments may not be necessary when used in combination with other antiepileptic drugs. 6 suggests that pyridoxine (vitamin B6) supplementation can be effective in preventing and mitigating behavioral adverse effects induced by LEV. 4 showed that LEV produces fewer adverse neuropsychological and neurophysiologic effects compared to carbamazepine (CBZ), suggesting that it may have less impact on cognitive function. 1 showed a dose-dependent effect of LEV, indicating that higher doses might be more effective.

Benefits and risks

Benefit summary

Levetiracetam (LEV) is an anti-epileptic drug that is effective in treating drug-resistant focal epilepsy and may show onset of clinical effect two days after drug initiation. 3 LEV may also be effective when used in combination with other antiepileptic drugs. 2 LEV may also have less impact on cognitive function compared to carbamazepine (CBZ). 4

Risk summary

The main side effects of LEV include somnolence, headache, asthenia, accidental injury, dizziness, and infections. 5 LEV can also cause behavioral side effects, but these can potentially be reduced by supplementing with pyridoxine (vitamin B6). 6

Comparison of studies

Commonalities

All of these studies demonstrate that levetiracetam (LEV) is an effective antiepileptic drug in treating drug-resistant focal epilepsy. They offer valuable information regarding LEV’s clinical effects and side effects.

Differences

Studies vary in their findings on the onset of clinical effect of LEV and its side effects. 3 suggests that the onset of clinical effect of LEV occurs two days after drug initiation, but other studies may report a different onset time. Similarly, studies report different side effects of LEV. 5 reports somnolence, headache, asthenia, accidental injury, dizziness, and infections, while other studies may report different frequencies or types of these side effects.

Consistency and contradictions in results

While many of these studies support the clinical efficacy of LEV, there is variability in the information on the onset of clinical effect and side effects. 3 indicates that the onset of LEV’s clinical effect may occur two days after drug initiation, but other studies might suggest different timeframes. Similarly, reported side effects vary across studies. 5 reports side effects such as somnolence, headache, asthenia, accidental injury, dizziness, and infections, but other studies might report different frequencies or types of these side effects.

Precautions in applying results to real life

LEV is an effective antiepileptic drug for treating drug-resistant focal epilepsy. 3 However, because of its potential side effects, it should be taken in appropriate doses under the guidance of a doctor. 5 Particularly, LEV may cause side effects such as drowsiness, so caution is advised when driving or operating machinery. 5 LEV may also increase the risk of infections, so you should consult a doctor if you feel unwell. 5 LEV may be effective in combination with other antiepileptic drugs, but 2 it is important to consult with a doctor as combining it with other drugs might increase the risk of side effects.

Limitations of current research

All of these studies involved a relatively small number of patients, so it is unclear if the results can be generalized to the wider population. These studies also did not sufficiently examine the long-term effects or side effects of LEV.

Future research directions

Further research is needed on the clinical effects and side effects of LEV. Specifically, studies are needed to examine the long-term effects and side effects of LEV, and its efficacy when combined with other antiepileptic drugs.

Conclusion

LEV is an effective anti-epileptic drug in treating drug-resistant focal epilepsy. 3 However, it is important to use it in appropriate doses under the guidance of a doctor because of its potential side effects. 5 Further research is needed on the clinical effects and side effects of LEV. 3

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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