Levetam 500 SR

Description

Levetam 500 SR is a medication used to treat epilepsy, a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures. The “SR” in its name indicates “Sustained Release,” meaning the active ingredient is released slowly over an extended period, which helps maintain more consistent levels of the medication in the body and often allows for less frequent dosing.

Active Ingredient: The active ingredient in Levetam 500 SR is Levetiracetam 500mg.

Mechanism of Action: Levetiracetam is an antiepileptic (or anticonvulsant) medicine. Its precise mechanism of action is still being fully elucidated, but it is believed to work by:

• Binding to Synaptic Vesicle Protein 2A (SV2A): This binding affects the release of neurotransmitters, which are chemicals that transmit signals between nerve cells in the brain. By modulating neurotransmitter release, Levetiracetam helps to stabilize the abnormal electrical activity that leads to seizures.
• Inhibiting Epileptiform Burst Firing: It helps prevent the rapid, repeated firing of neurons that can cause a seizure.
• Preventing Seizure Propagation: It also helps to prevent the spread of seizure activity from one part of the brain to another.

Uses and Benefits: Levetam 500 SR is primarily used for:

• Partial-onset seizures: These seizures affect only one part of the brain. Levetam can be used alone (monotherapy) or in combination with other anti-epileptic drugs (adjunctive therapy) for adults and adolescents with newly diagnosed epilepsy.
• Myoclonic seizures: These involve sudden, brief jerks or twitches of a muscle or group of muscles. Levetam is used as adjunctive therapy for adults and adolescents (typically aged 12 years and older) with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy.
• Primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures (Grand Mal seizures): These involve both sides of the brain and cause widespread muscle contractions and loss of consciousness. Levetam is used as adjunctive therapy for adults and children (typically aged 6 years and older) with idiopathic generalized epilepsy.

The sustained-release formulation offers the benefit of once-daily or twice-daily dosing, which can improve patient compliance compared to immediate-release formulations that may require more frequent doses.

Dosage and Administration:

• Levetam 500 SR is an oral medication and should be swallowed whole with a glass of water.
• Do not crush, chew, or break the tablet, as this will disrupt the sustained-release mechanism.
• It can be taken with or without food.
• The dosage is highly individualized and determined by a doctor based on the patient’s condition, age, weight, and response. It is typically started at a lower dose and gradually increased.
• It is crucial to take the medication regularly as prescribed and not to stop taking it suddenly, even if symptoms improve, as abrupt discontinuation can worsen seizures or lead to withdrawal symptoms.

Side Effects: Common side effects of Levetiracetam may include:

• Central Nervous System (CNS) effects: Dizziness, somnolence (sleepiness), headache, fatigue, unsteadiness, mood changes (irritability, aggression, depression), behavioral changes, anxiety, insomnia. These effects are often more prominent during the first few weeks of treatment and may lessen over time.
• Gastrointestinal: Nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite.
• Other: Nasopharyngitis (common cold symptoms), infection.

More serious but less common side effects that require immediate medical attention include:

• Severe skin reactions: Such as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), characterized by a severe rash, blistering, and peeling of the skin.
• Psychiatric symptoms: Worsening depression, suicidal thoughts or behavior, psychosis.
• Blood disorders: Though rare, it can affect blood cell counts.
• Kidney problems: In rare cases, kidney issues might occur or worsen existing ones.

Precautions and Warnings:

• Prescription Only: Levetam 500 SR is a prescription medication and should only be used under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
• Kidney Impairment: Dosage adjustments are necessary for patients with kidney disease. Your doctor may monitor your kidney function.
• Mood and Behavioral Changes: Patients and caregivers should be vigilant for any new or worsening depression, mood changes, aggression, agitation, or suicidal thoughts and report them immediately to the doctor.
• Driving/Operating Machinery: Due to potential dizziness, drowsiness, and blurred vision, patients should avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until they know how the medication affects them.
• Alcohol: Avoid or limit alcohol consumption as it can increase CNS side effects like drowsiness.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Levetam 500 SR is generally not recommended during pregnancy unless the potential benefits outweigh the risks. It passes into breast milk. Discuss thoroughly with your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to conceive, or breastfeeding.
• Withdrawal Symptoms: Do not stop taking the medication abruptly. The dose should be gradually tapered under medical supervision to avoid withdrawal symptoms or worsening of seizures