What is Levirate 500mg Used For? A Comprehensive Guide to its Use in Epilepsy

October 11, 2025 •

4 min read

Levetiracetam, the active ingredient in medications like Levirate 500mg, is an anticonvulsant that plays a crucial role in controlling various types of seizures associated with epilepsy. As a widely used antiepileptic drug (AED), it works by calming overactive nerves to stabilize electrical activity in the brain.

Quick Summary

Levirate 500mg is an antiepileptic drug containing levetiracetam, used to treat partial-onset, myoclonic, and primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures in both adults and children. It controls seizures by modulating synaptic activity in the brain and is available by prescription only.

Key Points

Active Ingredient: The active component in Levirate 500mg is levetiracetam, an anticonvulsant used for seizure control.
Broad Spectrum Use: Levirate is used to manage partial-onset, myoclonic, and primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures in individuals with epilepsy.
Unique Mechanism: It controls seizures by binding to the SV2A protein in the brain, which helps to modulate abnormal electrical signals.
Common Side Effects: Patients may experience common side effects such as fatigue, dizziness, headache, and irritability, particularly when first starting treatment.
Monitor for Behavioral Changes: There is a risk of behavioral abnormalities, mood changes, and suicidal ideation, which requires close monitoring by patients and caregivers.
Abrupt Discontinuation Risk: Stopping Levirate suddenly can increase seizure frequency and should only be done under a doctor's supervision with a gradual dose reduction.
Few Drug Interactions: Levetiracetam has a low potential for drug-drug interactions, which can be advantageous for patients taking multiple medications.

Understanding Levirate 500mg and Levetiracetam

Levirate 500mg is a brand-name medication that contains the active ingredient levetiracetam. Levetiracetam is classified as an antiepileptic or anticonvulsant drug and is used to treat epilepsy and control seizures. It is part of the pyrrolidine class of drugs and functions differently from many other AEDs, giving it a favorable safety and drug interaction profile. The 500mg dose is one of several available strengths, often prescribed as part of a twice-daily dosing regimen.

What are the Main Indications for Levirate 500mg?

Levetiracetam, including the 500mg tablet, is approved to treat multiple types of seizures, often in combination with other medications, or sometimes alone in certain populations.

Treatment of Partial-Onset Seizures

One of the most common uses for levetiracetam is in the treatment of partial-onset seizures. These seizures, which begin in one part of the brain, can affect both adults and children. Levirate 500mg is prescribed as an adjunctive therapy (along with other medications) for patients 1 month of age and older. It can also be used as monotherapy (the sole medication) for newly diagnosed adults and adolescents.

Management of Myoclonic Seizures

For adults and adolescents aged 12 and older who have juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME), levetiracetam is indicated as an adjunctive therapy for myoclonic seizures. These seizures cause brief, shock-like jerks of a muscle or muscle group and are a hallmark of JME.

Primary Generalized Tonic-Clonic (PGTC) Seizures

Levirate 500mg is also approved as adjunctive therapy for treating primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures in individuals with idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE). These seizures, previously known as grand mal seizures, involve the entire body.

How Does Levirate 500mg Work to Control Seizures?

Unlike many older anticonvulsants that act on well-known neurotransmitter systems, levetiracetam's precise mechanism is not fully understood, but it is known to have a unique action. Its anti-seizure effect is primarily attributed to its binding to the synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A (SV2A), a protein found on the membranes of synaptic vesicles in nerve cells.

By binding to SV2A, levetiracetam is thought to modulate the release of neurotransmitters, effectively reducing the abnormal electrical signals in the brain that trigger seizures. This novel mechanism of action, independent of hepatic cytochrome P450 enzymes, explains its limited drug-drug interactions compared to many other AEDs.

Important Considerations and Potential Side Effects

As with all medications, Levirate 500mg can cause side effects. Patients should discuss potential risks and benefits with their healthcare provider.

Common Side Effects

Many patients experience side effects, particularly when starting treatment or after a dose increase. Common side effects often improve as the body adjusts to the medication.

Neurological: Sleepiness, fatigue, dizziness, headache, irritability, and aggression are frequently reported.
Gastrointestinal: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and decreased appetite can occur.
Infections: Pharyngitis (sore throat) and rhinitis (stuffy nose) are also common.

Serious Side Effects

While less common, some side effects can be serious and require immediate medical attention. It is crucial to monitor for any unusual changes in mood or behavior.

Behavioral Abnormalities and Suicidal Ideation: Antiepileptic drugs carry a small but increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior. Patients and caregivers should watch for new or worsening depression, mood changes, or suicidal thoughts.
Serious Dermatological Reactions: Severe and sometimes life-threatening skin reactions, such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), have been reported. Patients should report any rash immediately.
Anaphylaxis and Angioedema: Allergic reactions, including swelling of the face, throat, and tongue, can occur and require emergency treatment.
Coordination Difficulties: Some patients may experience problems with balance or coordination, affecting activities like walking or driving.

Levirate vs. Other Anti-epileptic Drugs

Choosing an antiepileptic drug depends on the specific type of epilepsy, patient age, potential side effects, and drug interactions. Here is a simplified comparison of levetiracetam (in Levirate) and another common AED, valproate.


Feature	Levetiracetam (Levirate)	Valproate (e.g., Depakote)
Drug Interactions	Low risk of drug interactions, as it does not significantly interact with the cytochrome P450 system.	High risk of drug interactions, as it significantly affects hepatic enzymes.
Mechanism of Action	Unique mechanism involving binding to SV2A, modulating neurotransmitter release.	Increases GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) levels in the brain.
Common Side Effects	Drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue, and behavioral changes such as irritability and aggression.	Drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, hair loss, and weight gain.
Major Concerns	Behavioral changes, suicidal ideation, and rare severe skin reactions.	Fetal abnormalities (especially in women of childbearing age), liver toxicity, and pancreatitis.

Conclusion

Levirate 500mg, a formulation of the active ingredient levetiracetam, is a highly effective and widely used anticonvulsant for the treatment of various seizure types in epilepsy. Its unique mechanism of action and low potential for drug interactions make it a valuable option for many patients. However, as with all antiepileptic medications, it is essential for patients to be aware of the potential side effects, both common and serious, and to maintain open communication with their healthcare provider. Dosage and administration must be strictly followed as prescribed, and the medication should not be stopped abruptly to avoid a return or worsening of seizures.

For more detailed prescribing information and FDA updates, consider consulting authoritative resources like the FDA's drug safety announcements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Levirate 500mg contains the same active ingredient, levetiracetam, as the brand-name medication Keppra. They are considered bioequivalent, meaning they have the same therapeutic effect.

Levirate 500mg tablets are typically taken twice daily, once in the morning and once at night. It can be taken with or without food. It is important to follow your doctor's specific dosing instructions and not to crush or chew the tablets.

If you miss a dose and it has only been a few hours, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.

No, you should never stop taking Levirate suddenly without first talking to your doctor. Abruptly stopping the medication can increase the risk of more frequent or severe seizures.

Common side effects include sleepiness, dizziness, fatigue, and headache. Behavioral changes, such as irritability and aggression, are also common, especially when first starting the medication.

Levirate (levetiracetam) has a low risk of drug-drug interactions compared to many other antiepileptic drugs because it is minimally metabolized by the liver's cytochrome P450 system. However, you should still inform your doctor of all medications and supplements you are taking.

Levirate (levetiracetam) is used to treat partial-onset seizures in children as young as 1 month and myoclonic or tonic-clonic seizures in older children. Dosage is often weight-based for children, and a healthcare provider should determine the appropriate dose.