Keppra (levetiracetam) is an anticonvulsant medication primarily used to treat certain types of seizures in people with epilepsy[3].
Specifically, Keppra is used for:
- Partial (focal) onset seizures: Keppra is prescribed for adults and children ages 1 month and older to control focal seizures, which start in one part of the brain[1][3][7].
- Myoclonic seizures: In people 12 years and older with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy, Keppra is used—often alongside other medications—to treat myoclonic seizures, which cause brief, shock-like muscle jerks[3][7][8].
- Generalized tonic-clonic (grand mal) seizures: Keppra is indicated (with other medications) for adults and children 6 years and older for treating tonic-clonic seizures, characterized by muscle stiffening and rhythmic jerking[3][7][8].
Keppra may be used alone or in combination with other anti-epileptic medicines, depending on the specific seizure type and patient age[1][5].
Keppra does not cure epilepsy but works to stabilize abnormal electrical activity in the brain and prevent future seizures while the medication is continued[1][3][5].
It is available as immediate-release tablets, extended-release tablets, oral solution, and intravenous infusion for those unable to take oral forms[3][5].