Find out detailed description, uses, directions of use, side effects, warnings and precautions, frequently asked questions about Levipil Injection
Levipil injection is an antiepileptic medicine. It is used to treat epilepsy or convulsions. It contains levetiracetam as its active ingredient. Epilepsy is a condition of brain-related disorder characterized by abnormal brain activity causing fits or periods of unusual behavior, feeling fuzzy, anxiety, and loss of consciousness. Levipil injection is also used to control and prevent fits or seizures during and after brain surgery. Levipil injection will be given to you in the hospital or clinic by a doctor or nurse as an injection. You should avoid self-injecting this medicine. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding. Also inform about all the medicines and supplements you take and all the conditions or diseases you suffer from, before starting the treatment.
In Treatment of Epilepsy/Seizures
Levipil Injection belongs to a group of medicines called anticonvulsants (or anti-epileptics). It works by slowing down electrical signals in the brain which cause seizures (fits). This medicine can be used to control various types of seizures—myoclonic, partial-onset, and primary generalized tonic-clonic (or grand mal). It can also help reduce symptoms such as confusion, uncontrollable jerking movements, loss of awareness, and fear or anxiety. The medicine can allow you to do some activities that you would otherwise be forbidden or scared to do (such as swimming and driving). It can take a few weeks for this medicine to work (because the dose has to be increased slowly) and during this time you may still have seizures. You should continue taking it even if you feel well and are not having any seizures. Missing doses may trigger a seizure. Do not stop using this medicine until your doctor advises you.
Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self administer.
Before taking it, you should tell your doctor if you have kidney problems, depression or suicidal thoughts and if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Avoid alcohol while taking this medicine, as it may increase the risk of seizures and worsen the side effects such as drowsiness and dizziness. Drowsiness and dizziness may affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. Your kidney function may need to be tested periodically while taking this medicine.
Q. Will the use of Levipil Injection affect my fertility?
Levipil Injection is not known to affect fertility in males or females. However, talk to your doctor if you are facing fertility issues during the treatment with this medicine.
Q. Can the use of Levipil Injection cause sleepiness?
Yes, Levipil Injection can make you feel sleepy. Therefore, during the initial phase of treatment, avoid driving, operating machinery, working at heights, or participating in potentially dangerous activities until you know how this medicine affects you.
Q. I have gained weight since I started taking Levipil Injection. Is it because of Levipil Injection? What should I do?
Weight gain is an uncommon side effect of Levipil Injection. However, the response may vary from person to person. To prevent weight gain you should take a healthy balanced diet, avoid snacking, cut down on high-calorie food items, include more vegetables and fruits in your diet, and exercise regularly. If you still have issues with your weight, consult your doctor.
Q. How long does Levipil Injection take to show its effect?
Levipil Injection may take a few weeks to start working properly since the dose is increased slowly. Your seizures may continue until Levipil Injection starts working completely.
Q. For how long do I need to take Levipil Injection?
You should continue to take Levipil Injection for as long as your doctor advises you to. Do not stop taking it suddenly because this may increase the frequency of seizures which may be difficult to control.
Q. Can I drink alcohol with Levipil Injection?
Yes, you may drink alcohol while taking Levipil Injection. Alcohol itself does not affect the way Levipil Injection works. However, alcohol can increase the sleepiness or dizziness that occur as side effects of Levipil Injection in some individuals. Therefore, you should avoid alcohol while taking Levipil Injection until you know how it affects you.
Q. Will I get addicted to Levipil Injection if I use it for a long time?
No, Levipil Injection is not habit-forming. No physical or psychological dependence has been reported with Levipil Injection. Consult your doctor if you experience any side effects.
Q. What symptoms can occur if someone takes an excess of Levipil Injection?
Taking an excess of Levipil Injection may cause sleepiness, agitation, aggression, a decrease of alertness, inhibition of breathing, and even a state of coma. In case of an overdose, immediate medical care should be provided to the patient in a nearby hospital.
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