Skip to content

Clarifying a Common Query: What is the use of Leviticus Tablet?

4 min read

In 2023, over 6 million prescriptions for Levetiracetam were dispensed in the United States [1.6.2]. Often misheard or misspelled, this medication is the likely subject behind the query 'What is the use of Leviticus Tablet?'. Levetiracetam is a cornerstone medication for managing epilepsy.

Quick Summary

Levetiracetam is an anticonvulsant medication prescribed to prevent and control seizures in people with epilepsy. It works by binding to a specific protein in the brain to help calm overactive nerves [1.4.2, 1.6.2].

Key Points

  • Intended Medication: The query 'Leviticus Tablet' is a likely misspelling of Levetiracetam, a common antiepileptic drug.

  • Primary Use: Levetiracetam is used to prevent and control certain types of seizures, including partial-onset, myoclonic, and primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures [1.7.3, 1.7.5].

  • Mechanism: It works by binding to a protein (SV2A) in the brain, which helps to stabilize electrical activity and calm overactive nerves [1.6.2, 1.6.3].

  • Common Side Effects: The most frequent side effects include drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, and behavioral changes like irritability [1.5.1, 1.5.5].

  • Serious Warnings: Users should be aware of rare but serious risks, including mood changes, suicidal thoughts, and severe skin reactions [1.5.2, 1.5.8].

  • Drug Interactions: Levetiracetam has a low potential for drug interactions compared to many other anti-seizure medications because it is not primarily processed by the liver [1.6.4].

  • Administration: Dosage is patient-specific and must be determined by a doctor; the medication should never be stopped abruptly without medical supervision [1.7.1].

In This Article

While the query mentions 'Leviticus Tablet,' there is no approved medication by that name. It is highly probable that this is a common misspelling or mishearing of Levetiracetam, a widely prescribed antiepileptic drug (AED) [1.3.7]. This article provides a comprehensive overview of Levetiracetam, its uses, mechanism, and important safety information.

What is Levetiracetam?

Levetiracetam is an anticonvulsant medication used alone or with other medicines to treat certain types of seizures in adults and children [1.7.5]. It belongs to a class of drugs known as SV2A inhibitors [1.3.3]. By working on the central nervous system, it helps to decrease abnormal excitement in the brain, thereby preventing seizure activity [1.4.3, 1.7.2]. It is available in various forms, including immediate-release tablets, extended-release tablets, an oral solution, and an intravenous injection [1.4.4]. Common brand names for Levetiracetam include Keppra®, Keppra XR®, Elepsia XR®, and Spritam® [1.3.4, 1.3.5].

Mechanism of Action: How Does It Work?

The precise way Levetiracetam works is not entirely understood, but its primary mechanism is unique among antiepileptic drugs [1.6.2]. It is believed to work by binding to a specific protein found on synaptic vesicles in the brain called synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A (SV2A) [1.6.2, 1.6.7]. This binding action is thought to modulate the release of neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) from nerve endings, which helps to stabilize electrical activity in the brain and prevent the rapid, synchronized firing of neurons that leads to a seizure [1.6.3]. Unlike many other AEDs, it does not significantly interact with liver enzymes, which results in fewer drug-to-drug interactions [1.6.4, 1.5.8].

Approved Medical Uses

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Levetiracetam for several specific uses in treating epilepsy [1.7.4, 1.4.3]:

  • Partial-Onset Seizures: It is used as an adjunctive therapy for partial-onset seizures in adults, children, and infants as young as one month old [1.7.5]. These seizures originate in one specific area of the brain.
  • Myoclonic Seizures: It is approved as an add-on treatment for myoclonic seizures in adults and adolescents 12 years of age and older who have juvenile myoclonic epilepsy [1.4.4]. These are characterized by brief, shock-like jerks of a muscle or group of muscles.
  • Primary Generalized Tonic-Clonic Seizures: It is used in combination with other medications to treat these seizures (formerly known as 'grand mal' seizures) in adults and children 6 years of age and older with idiopathic generalized epilepsy [1.7.5].

Off-label, it may sometimes be used by healthcare professionals for conditions like status epilepticus (a prolonged seizure) and seizure prevention following a traumatic brain injury [1.4.6].

Potential Side Effects and Warnings

Like all medications, Levetiracetam can cause side effects. It is generally well-tolerated, but patients should be aware of potential reactions.

Common Side Effects Many of these are more prevalent when starting the medication and may decrease over time [1.5.1, 1.5.5]:

  • Sleepiness, drowsiness, or fatigue
  • Weakness (asthenia)
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Infection (e.g., stuffy or runny nose, sore throat)
  • Irritability or aggression, particularly in children [1.5.7]
  • Loss of appetite

Serious Warnings and Reactions Patients should contact their healthcare provider immediately if they experience any of the following [1.5.2, 1.5.7, 1.7.6]:

  • Mood and Behavior Changes: A small number of people (about 1 in 500) may experience significant changes, including depression, anxiety, agitation, hostility, or suicidal thoughts or behaviors [1.7.5].
  • Severe Skin Reactions: Though rare, life-threatening skin reactions like Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS) can occur [1.5.8, 1.7.6]. Symptoms include rash, blisters, fever, and facial swelling.
  • Allergic Reactions: Anaphylaxis and angioedema (swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat) are possible and require immediate medical attention [1.5.7].
  • Coordination Difficulties: Some individuals may experience trouble with walking, balance, or coordination [1.5.2].
  • Sudden Withdrawal: Do not stop taking Levetiracetam abruptly, as this can cause an increase in seizure frequency or severity. A doctor must supervise a gradual dose reduction [1.7.1].

Levetiracetam vs. Other Antiepileptic Drugs

Levetiracetam's profile makes it a frequent choice for clinicians. Here is a brief comparison with another common AED, Carbamazepine.

Feature Levetiracetam (Keppra®) Carbamazepine (Tegretol®)
Primary Mechanism Binds to synaptic vesicle protein SV2A, modulating neurotransmitter release [1.6.2]. Blocks voltage-gated sodium channels, stabilizing hyperexcitable nerve membranes.
Metabolism Not extensively metabolized by the liver; primarily cleared by the kidneys [1.6.1, 1.6.4]. Extensively metabolized by the liver's cytochrome P450 system.
Drug Interactions Low potential for drug-drug interactions [1.5.8]. High potential for interactions with many other medications.
Common Side Effects Drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, behavioral changes (irritability) [1.5.5]. Dizziness, drowsiness, unsteadiness, nausea, vomiting [1.8.2].
Monitoring Serum level monitoring is not routinely required for efficacy [1.7.7]. Regular blood tests are needed to monitor drug levels and check for blood disorders.

Conclusion

Levetiracetam is a crucial and effective medication for managing various forms of epilepsy. Its unique mechanism of action and favorable pharmacokinetic profile, including a low risk of drug interactions, make it a valuable option for many patients [1.6.7]. While 'Leviticus Tablet' is not a recognized medication, the inquiry highlights the importance of clear communication and understanding of prescribed treatments. Anyone prescribed Levetiracetam should take it exactly as directed and maintain open communication with their healthcare provider about its effects and any side effects experienced.


For more information, you can visit the Epilepsy Foundation. [1.3.7]

Frequently Asked Questions

Levetiracetam is an anticonvulsant medication used alone or with other drugs to control partial-onset seizures, myoclonic seizures, and primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures in patients with epilepsy [1.4.3, 1.7.5].

No, there is no medication named 'Leviticus Tablet.' This is most likely a common misspelling or misunderstanding of the anti-seizure medication Levetiracetam.

The most common side effects include sleepiness, weakness, dizziness, headache, and feeling irritable or aggressive. These often occur when starting the medication and may lessen over time [1.5.1, 1.5.5, 1.5.7].

Levetiracetam is believed to work by binding to a protein called SV2A in the brain. This action helps modulate the release of chemical messengers between nerves, reducing abnormal electrical excitement that can cause seizures [1.6.2, 1.6.3].

No. You should never stop taking Levetiracetam suddenly without talking to your doctor. Stopping abruptly can cause your seizures to return or become worse. Your doctor will provide instructions for gradually reducing the dose if needed [1.7.1, 1.7.5].

It is generally advised to avoid or limit alcohol while taking Levetiracetam. Both alcohol and Levetiracetam can cause drowsiness and dizziness, and drinking can worsen these side effects [1.8.2, 1.8.7].

Common brand names for Levetiracetam include Keppra, Keppra XR, Elepsia XR, and Spritam [1.3.4, 1.4.4].

You should call your doctor right away if you experience any unusual changes in mood or behavior, such as new or worsening depression, anxiety, agitation, hostility, or thoughts of self-harm. These can be serious side effects [1.5.2, 1.7.5].

References

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5
  6. 6
  7. 7
  8. 8
  9. 9
  10. 10
  11. 11
  12. 12
  13. 13
  14. 14
  15. 15
  16. 16
  17. 17
  18. 18

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.