Keppra is a drug used to treat the partial onset of seizures or epilepsy in adults and children over 4 years of age, according to Drugs.com. Keppra is a form of anti-epileptic medication. According to eMedTV.com, the most common types of seizures this medicine treats are partial seizures, myoclonic seizures and grand mal seizures. Keppra may be used with other medicines to treat epilepsy. As with any medication, Keppra has the risk of side effects.
Less Serious Side Effects
Drugs.com identifies several side effects considered to be harmless unless they are persistent or overly bothersome. These less serious effects include dizziness, vertigo, drowsiness, irritability, headache, runny nose, sore throat or neck pain. EMedTV.com reports that these mild side effects can occur in 10 to 23 percent of individuals who use Keppra. The most common effect is drowsiness. Accidental injury occurs in up to 17 percent of patients and a secondary infection can occur in up to 13 percent of users, as indicated by eMedTV.com.
Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects should be reported to a doctor right away. Drugs.com lists several possible serious effects, including hallucinations, fever, chills, body aches, other flu-like symptoms, weakness, loss of coordination, increase in seizures, worsened seizures, nausea, stomach pain, change in appetite, itching, darkened urine, clay-colored stools or jaundice. Individuals who experience other behavioral or mental changes should contact a medical professional. These changes may include depression, anxiety, agitation, hostility, restlessness, hyperactivity, suicidal thoughts or thoughts of harming yourself. Other side effects that may be considered serious, as indicated by eMedTV.com, include lazy eye, ear pain, skin discoloration, asthma, double vision, sinus infection, unusual burning or tingling sensations, amnesia, pink eye, constipation, bruising or diarrhea.
Allergic Reaction
An allergic reaction to Keppra can be serious. Drugs.com reports serious allergic responses to the medication including hives, trouble breathing, swelling of the face, swelling of the lips, swelling of the tongue and/or swelling of the throat.
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