Levetiracetam (Keppra): Common Side Effects and What to Discuss With Your Prescriber

Levetiracetam (brand names Keppra and Desitrend) is a widely used anti-seizure medication (ASM). Common side effects include drowsiness, headaches, a blocked nose, feeling sick, and mood or behaviour changes such as irritability. Most ease as the body adjusts. This article is general information, not medical advice: speak to your prescriber about any concerns, and never stop an ASM suddenly.

What is levetiracetam?

Levetiracetam is an anti-seizure medication (ASM) used to treat epilepsy, sold under brand names including Keppra and Desitrend.

It is one of the most widely prescribed ASMs in the UK and is used for several seizure types. Like all medicines it can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them, and many people take it with few problems. For general guidance, see our tips on taking epilepsy medication and why brand consistency matters.

Common side effects of levetiracetam

The most common side effects can affect more than 1 in 10 people, and they often ease within a week or two as the body adjusts, according to the NHS.

• feeling drowsy, sleepy or dizzy
• headaches
• a blocked nose or itchy throat
• feeling sick or being sick (nausea or vomiting)
• feeling irritable, agitated or aggressive

The NHS advises that if drowsiness or dizziness does not wear off within one to two weeks, a prescriber may reduce the dose, increase it more slowly, or switch to a different medicine. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how levetiracetam affects you.

Mood and behaviour changes

Some people taking levetiracetam notice changes in mood or behaviour, such as feeling irritable, agitated, low, or more aggressive.

These are recognised effects and worth discussing with a prescriber, who may be able to adjust treatment. Family and carers sometimes notice changes before the person does, so it helps if those around them know what to look out for.

This can be a sensitive area. If you or someone you support has thoughts of self-harm or suicide, treat it as an emergency: call 999 or go to A&E. You can also contact the Samaritans free on 116 123 at any time, or speak to your GP.

Serious side effects to act on

Serious side effects are uncommon, but some signs need urgent medical attention.

• seizures getting worse
• signs of kidney problems, such as passing very little urine, tiredness, confusion, or swollen legs or ankles
• marked mental changes, such as confusion, memory loss, unusual behaviour or uncontrolled movements
• thoughts of harming yourself (call 999)
• signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as swelling of the lips, mouth or throat, or difficulty breathing (call 999)

Contact a doctor or call 111 promptly for the first group of signs, and call 999 for thoughts of self-harm or a serious allergic reaction. Suspected side effects can also be reported through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.

Tips for managing side effects

Simple steps can make common side effects easier to live with while your body adjusts.

• take it at the same times each day, with or after food if it upsets your stomach
• rest and keep hydrated for headaches, and avoid drinking too much alcohol
• avoid driving or using machinery until you know how it affects you
• keep a simple record of any side effects to share at your reviews

What to discuss with your prescriber

Talk to your GP, neurologist or epilepsy specialist nurse about any side effect that worries you, and never stop taking an ASM suddenly.

Stopping or changing an ASM abruptly can trigger seizures, including prolonged seizures. Your prescriber can review the dose, slow down any change, or consider alternatives. An epilepsy specialist nurse is often a good first point of contact, and it is worth understanding how rescue medication fits into a wider plan. This article is general information and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare professional.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common Keppra side effects?

Drowsiness, headaches, a blocked nose, feeling sick, and irritability or mood changes are among the most commonly reported.

Do levetiracetam side effects go away?

Many ease within one to two weeks as the body adjusts. Tell your prescriber if they persist or are difficult to manage.

Can levetiracetam affect mood?

Yes. Mood and behaviour changes are recognised effects. Discuss them with your prescriber, who may be able to adjust treatment.

Can I stop taking levetiracetam if I get side effects?

No. Do not stop an ASM suddenly, as this can trigger seizures. Speak to your prescriber, who can adjust it safely.

Is levetiracetam the same as Keppra?

Keppra is a brand name for levetiracetam, and Desitrend is another. They contain the same active medicine.

Equip your staff to support epilepsy medication safely

National Epilepsy Training helps care teams understand anti-seizure medications and administer emergency medication with confidence and signed competency.

• recognise common medication side effects
• know when and how to escalate
• administer buccal midazolam where prescribed

Explore our medication and buccal midazolam training