Like other antiepileptic drugs, Keppra XR™ may cause suicidal thoughts or actions in a very small number of people, about 1 in 500 people taking it.
- thoughts about suicide or dying
- attempts to commit suicide
- new or worse depression
- new or worse anxiety
- feeling agitated or restless
- panic attacks
- trouble sleeping (insomnia)
- new or worse irritability
- acting aggressive, being angry, or violent
- acting on dangerous impulses
- an extreme increase in activity and talking (mania)
- other unusual changes in behavior or mood
- Stopping Keppra XR™ suddenly can cause serious problems. Stopping a seizure medicine suddenly can cause seizures that will not stop (status epilepticus).
- Suicidal thoughts or actions can be caused by things other than medicines. If you have suicidal thoughts or actions, your doctor may check for other causes.
- Pay attention to any changes, especially sudden changes, in mood, behaviors, thoughts, or feelings.
- Keep all follow-up visits with your doctor as scheduled.
- Call your doctor between visits as needed, especially if you are worried about symptoms.
Tell your neurologist about all of your medical conditions, including if you:
- have or have had depression, mood problems or suicial thoughts or behavior.
- have kidney problems.
- are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. It is not known if Keppra XR™ will harm your unborn baby. If you become pregnant while taking Keppra XR™, talk to your doctor about registering with the North American Antiepileptic Drug Pregnancy Registry. You can enroll in this registry by calling 1-888-233-2334. You can also enroll in the UCB AED Pregnancy Registry by calling 1-888-537-7734. The purpose of these registries is to collect information about the safety of Keppra XR™ and other antiepileptic medicine during pregnancy.
- are breast feeding. Keppra XR™ can pass into your milk and may harm your baby. You and your doctor should discuss whether you should take Keppra XR™ or breast feed; you should not do both.
Tell your neurologist about all the medicines you take, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Do not start a new medicine without first talking with your doctor.
Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them to show your neurologist and pharmacist each time you get a new medicine.
Do not drive, operate machinery, or do other dangerous activities until you know how Keppra XR™ affects you. Keppra XR™ may make you dizzy or sleepy.
Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Medication Guide. Do not use Keppra XR™ for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give Keppra XR™ to other people, even if they have the same symptoms that you have. It may harm them.
Next: Side Effects