Generic Name: Keppra XR (levetiracetam)
Keppra XR Reviews
For Epilepsy "I've been on Keppra XR 500 mg (taking 4 a day, 2 at night, 2 in the morning). It was great at first, but then I started to get really irritable. Then along came anxiety and depression. In 2016, I had a son (had 1 seizure during pregnancy) and in 2017, I had a daughter (same scenario). I also had postpartum depression from when I had my son, it's worsened over those two years. This will be my 5th year on it, and I'm not satisfied with it at all. I've tried changing my medicine, but they won't because it stopped my seizures (grand mal). I've tried telling them about the depression and anxiety, but all they asked is, 'Why didn't you tell us this before?' But most people deny the fact they have anxiety and depression (like me) to avoid being put on other meds. I've tried anxiety and depression medicine, but nothing worked. All I want is off this medicine to not feel like a zombie anymore."
For Epilepsy "I was diagnosed with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy in 2010 and was started on depakote, after gaining 40 lbs and still having seizures on that medication, my doc switched me to Keppra XR, initially I started out on 500mg once a day and was feeling a little drowsy but ok, I was still having muscle jerks so she upped the dose to 1500mg once a day and started having severe fatigue, as a college student this was affecting my studies severely. Now, on the same dosage for 3 years, I have memory loss, severe exhaustion and fatigue, headaches and dizziness every day and my school work is being negatively affected. My doc refuses to change my medication since I haven't had a seizure while on keppra XR."
For Seizures "My neurologist prescribed Keppra initially 500 MG in the morning and 500 MG in the evening. I was so groggy it was unbelievable. All I wanted to do was sleep. We switched to the XR Keppra 500 MG twice per day at bedtime, and it has been much better. Still suffer from some side effects (skin rash, stiff neck) but feeling much better. Eight weeks into it and all appears well! Good luck to all, I hope this helps."
For Epilepsy "I starting having seizures after a car accident when I was 18 (now 28). I was told by neurologists that may be the reason for the "trigger" of my epilepsy. I had 3 t-c seizures before being put on the max dosage of 1500mg 2x daily of the keppra. The side effects listed with the drugs usually happen to me but it wasn't hard to handle. Keppra worked for 2 years for the most part. Then it stopped. I began to have night time seizures, then partials, auras, memory loss, anxiety, double vision. You name it it was happening and it still is. I am now with a seizure specialist taking 3 different seizure medications and an anti anxiety as needed. 15 pills. Still having t-c, complex-partials, and partials with all the side effects. Can't work now."
For Epilepsy "I've been taking Keppra XR for 12 months. I have Myoclonic epilepsy with tonic-clonic seizures. Jerking and instant blackouts are gone but occassionally still having tonic-clonics. My dosage levels are still unclear and time will tell if the current dosage will work. Side effects are not severe and I function very well compared to past medication experiences."
For Seizures "I have tried 3 other types of seizure medications, but they all seemed to have many more negative side effects. Keppra XR has been a good medicine for me at this time and any noticeable side effects went away within a short time."
For Seizures "Since I started taking Keppra XR I have been experiencing hair loss and memory issues. Now my doctor switched me to the Keppra XR. I find it more alert to take the Keppra XR one time a day. I can only hope the hair loss doesn't continue, as a female it is very upsetting. I have also developed a slight hand tremor the doctor says it is unrelated to meds. I have only been on it for over a month."
For Epilepsy "I have had grand-mal seizures since age 7 due to an AVM in my brain. Previously during childhood, I was on Dilantin (major rage problems) and Tegretol (caused liver damage). When the Tegretol caused liver disease and brain surgery was complete, I was switched to Keppra XR (2 pills 2x a day) and seizures have been under control for the most part."
For Epilepsy "My daughter was diagnosed with epilepsy. The neurologist was very confident about the diagnosis. My daughter had an EEG (no idea if it showed anything; we were tired and may have misunderstood what he said about that). The MRI was negative for problems. For the past 4 months or so, I have seen weekly occurrences of my daughter making strange faces (this involved cheek twitching and lip quivering). We did not realize it could be a serious problem until she had an obvious seizure (simple partial) last week. What is troubling about my daughter's condition is that we have seen many daytime seizures, and recently the seizures seem to cluster together. We have no idea if there are seizures occurring at night. We were given a prescription for Keppra, but we are still weighing the risks/rewards of giving the medication to a toddler. After returning from the hospital, my daughter experienced a round of vomiting lasting from 3 AM to 11 AM, followed by additional vomiting the following morning at around 2 AM."
For Seizures "Many years Keppra has helped a lot. Symptoms of rage minimized once lowered to 500 mg once a day. Recently experiencing rapid weight loss and muscle loss, extreme fatigue, loss of appetite, libido, stomach pains, bradycardia, and elevated levels like after a heart attack. The past years have been rough."
For Seizures "Had very bad side effects. Caused severe mood swings."
For Epilepsy "Keppra XR returned my life to normal. Excellent medication for Epilepsy/seizures."
For Epilepsy "Since I started on this medication, I stopped having seizures. It has been 2 years now. It is great medicine. "
For Seizures "I took the regular Keppra and it made me feel groggy and tired. Since taking the Keppra XR I feel more normal and balanced."
For Seizures "Never thought I would ever find a seizure medicine that worked. Keppra XR - THUMBS UP!"
For Seizures "Increased anxiety and insomnia, did not control my SPS."
For Seizures "My fiance has been using Keppra XR since January of 09. So far he has not had any seizures. But has experienced all the side effects of the medication. But it does work. I would recommend Keppra XR."
More about Keppra XR (levetiracetam)
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Pricing & coupons
- Drug images
- Latest FDA alerts (5)
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Generic availability
- Drug class: pyrrolidine anticonvulsants
- Breastfeeding
- En español
Patient resources
- Keppra XR advanced reading
- Keppra XR
Other brands
Elepsia XR, Spritam, Roweepra, Roweepra XR
Professional resources
- Keppra-XR prescribing information
- Levetiracetam (AHFS Monograph)
Other brands
Elepsia XR, Spritam, Roweepra, Roweepra XR
Other formulations
- Keppra
Related treatment guides
- Seizures
- Epilepsy
