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Written By ,
Reviewed By Dr Aneela Siddabathuni , MPharma., PhD
Last Updated Oct 30, 2024 | 5:51 AM IST

Levesam XR 500 mg Tablet is used to treat seizures (fits) due to epilepsy. It is used for the epilepsy form in which the fits affect only one side of the brain, but could extend to larger areas on both sides of the brain. It contains Levetiracetam, which works by slowing down the abnormal signals in the brain which cause episodes of seizures. It helps by suppressing specific brain sites responsible for abnormal activity and prevents the spread of electrical signals that cause seizures. In some cases, you may experience side effects such as daytime drowsiness, disturbed sleep, light-headedness, dizziness, sleepiness, general weakness, and unexplained infections. Before taking this medicine, you should tell your doctor if you are allergic to any of its components or if you are pregnant/breastfeeding, and about all the medications you are taking and pre-existing medical conditions.

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Prescription drug

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Prescription drug
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Manufacturer/Marketer

Abbott India Ltd

Consume Type

ORAL

Return Policy

Not Returnable

Expires on or after

Jan-27

for this medicine

About Levesam XR 500 mg Tablet

Levesam XR 500 mg Tablet is used to treat seizures (fits) due to epilepsy. Epilepsy is a chronic condition where the patients have repeated fits (convulsions). Levesam XR 500 mg Tablet is used for the epilepsy form in which the fits affect only one side of the brain, but could extend to larger areas on both sides of the brain.

Levesam XR 500 mg Tablet contains Levetiracetam, which works by slowing down the abnormal signals in the brain which cause episodes of seizures. It helps by suppressing specific brain sites responsible for abnormal activity and prevents the spread of electrical signals that cause seizures. It reduces the episodes of seizures but does not cure epilepsy.

Take Levesam XR 500 mg Tablet as prescribed. Your doctor will decide how often you should take Levesam XR 500 mg Tablet based on your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience daytime drowsiness, disturbed sleep, light-headedness, dizziness, sleepiness, general weakness, and unexplained infections. Most of these side effects of Levesam XR 500 mg Tablet do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects are persistent, please reach out to your doctor.

It is not known if Levesam XR 500 mg Tablet is safe or effective in children below four years of age. Inform the doctor if you have kidney disease, lung disease, muscle weakness (myasthenia gravis), difficulty in sleeping (sleep apnoea), severe liver disease, or a problem with alcohol or other prescription drugs. Consult the doctor if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how Levesam XR 500 mg Tablet affects you, as its intake may make you dizzy or sleepy. Young children (especially less than 16 years) are more likely to develop behavioural changes like aggression than adults, so Levesam XR 500 mg Tablet should only be given under medical supervision to children. Suddenly stopping Levesam XR 500 mg Tablet can cause withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, increased heart rate, tremors, or general unwell feeling. Suicidal thoughts or actions can be caused in some patients taking Levesam XR 500 mg Tablet , so pay attention to any sudden change in mood swings, behaviour, or feeling.

Uses of Levesam XR 500 mg Tablet

Treatment of Epilepsy/Seizures

Medicinal Benefits

Levesam XR 500 mg Tablet contains Levetiracetam, used in combination or alone for treating symptoms of epilepsy. It works by slowing down the abnormal signals which the brain gives, leading to episodes of seizures. It helps by suppressing specific brain sites responsible for abnormal activity and prevents the spread of electrical signals that cause seizures. It reduces the episodes of seizures but does not cure epilepsy.

Directions for Use

Tablet: Take it as advised by the doctor. Swallow it as a whole with a glass of water. Do not crush, break or chew it.Syrup: Shake the bottle well before use. Take the prescribed dose by mouth using the measuring cup/dosing syringe/dropper provided by the pack.

Storage

Store in a cool and dry place away from sunlight

Side Effects of Levesam XR 500 mg Tablet

  • Daytime drowsiness
  • Disturbed sleep
  • Light-headedness
  • Dizziness
  • Sleepiness
  • General weakness
  • Unexplained infections

Drug Warnings

Taking Levesam XR 500 mg Tablet with other anti-epileptic medication can cause severe drowsiness, breathing problems, coma, and death. Levesam XR 500 mg Tablet should be taken with extreme caution in patients with a history of alcohol or drug abuse. Levesam XR 500 mg Tablet may affect your ability to drive or operate heavy machinery if taken with alcohol as you may feel dizzy, and you may be unable to concentrate. If you feel excess suicidal thoughts, difficulty concentrating, sleep disturbances, dizziness, or sleepiness, let your doctor know about this. Pregnant or lactating women should consult a doctor before taking it as Category C pregnancy medication. Do not take Levesam XR 500 mg Tablet if you are allergic to any of its active ingredients, suffer from lung disease, liver disease, glaucoma, have difficulty in sleeping (sleep apnoea). Levesam XR 500 mg Tablet can cause serious allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), which can be life-threatening. Please visit the doctor immediately if you have a rash, itching, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, or swelling of your hands, face, or mouth while using this medicine.

Drug Interactions

Drug-Drug Interaction: This medicine may have interaction with antianxiety or antiepileptic medicines (carbamazepine, fluvoxamine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone), anti-HIV drugs (amprenavir, ritonavir), acidity medicine (cimetidine), drugs to treat chronic alcoholism (disulfiram), anti-tuberculosis drug (rifampicin), anti-Parkinson’s drug (levodopa), and asthma drugs (theophylline).

Drug-Food Interaction: Levesam XR 500 mg Tablet may interact with a multivitamin, multi-mineral, or other herbal supplements. So, if you are using any of the OTC items, please tell your doctor.

Drug-Disease Interaction: Effectiveness of Levesam XR 500 mg Tablet is affected in haemodialysis (when kidneys are not naturally able to perform a function), anaemia (low haemoglobin level). Also, obese people (with a BMI greater than 25) should consult a doctor before taking Levesam XR 500 mg Tablet .

Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List

  • RITONAVIR
  • CIMETIDINE
  • DISULFIRAM
  • PHENOBARBITAL
  • LEVODOPA
  • THEOPHYLLINE
  • PHENYTOIN

Habit Forming

No

Diet & Lifestyle Advise

  • Do regular exercise, which can help lower anxiety by releasing endorphins and improving your sleep and self-image.
  • Find humour in your daily life. Try to watch light-hearted shows to help relieve stress.
  • You can try increasing your mindfulness by including yoga, meditation, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, and mindfulness-based stress reduction.
  • Drink enough water to stay hydrated, and limit or avoid alcohol and caffeine to relieve anxiety.
  • Include a diet rich in whole grains, vegetables, and fruits. This is a healthier option than eating a lot of simple carbohydrates found in processed foods.
  • Reduce your alcohol, caffeine, added sugar, high salt, and high fat intake. Especially trans-fat may help also help reduce inflammation.
  • You can include antioxidants in your daily diet like ashwagandha, omega-3 fatty acids, green tea, and lemon balm.
  • Try to spend time with your friends and family. Having a strong social network may help you lower your risk of anxiety.

Disease/Condition Glossary

Epilepsy: Epilepsy is a brain-related chronic disorder characterized by episodes of seizures (fits). In this condition, there is a chemical change in the brain cells (neurons) that leads to a sudden rise of electrical activity (impulse) in the brain followed by sudden jerky movements of limbs or a body part. This disease cannot be cured but managed.

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Alcohol

Unsafe

You are recommended not to consume alcohol along with Levesam XR 500 mg Tablet to avoid unpleasant side-effects like drowsiness, dizziness, or sleepiness. It may also lead to a life-threatening condition like coma if taken with excessive alcohol.

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Pregnancy

Caution

Levesam XR 500 mg Tablet is a Category C risk pregnancy drug that is considered unsafe for pregnant women. Levesam XR 500 mg Tablet can have some harmful effects on the baby (fetus), so your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you.

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Breast Feeding

Unsafe

Levesam XR 500 mg Tablet passes into the breast milk and may affect the health of the baby. So, keep your doctor informed if you're planning to breastfeed while on this medication.

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Driving

Unsafe

Levesam XR 500 mg Tablet usually causes dizziness, drowsiness, and visual disturbances, which may affect their ability to drive or operate machinery. So, do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you feel sleepy or dizzy after taking Levesam XR 500 mg Tablet . Tell your doctor if you get these types of side effects.

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Liver

Caution

Levesam XR 500 mg Tablet to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of liver disease. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.

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Kidney

Caution

Levesam XR 500 mg Tablet to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of kidney disorders. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor. Do not give Levesam XR 500 mg Tablet to dialysis patients and kidney failure patients.

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Children

Unsafe

It is not known whether Levesam XR 500 mg Tablet is safe or effective in treating conditions like panic disorder in children younger than 18 years old. So, your doctor will decide whether Levesam XR 500 mg Tablet can be given to the children less than 18 years of age or not.

Country of origin

India

Manufacturer/Marketer address

16th Floor, Godrej BKC, Plot – C, “G” Block, Bandra-Kurla Complex, Bandra (East), Mumbai – 400 051, India
Other Info - LEV0906

FAQs

Levesam XR 500 mg Tablet is used to treat seizures (fits) due to epilepsy.
Levesam XR 500 mg Tablet works by slowing down the abnormal signals in the brain which cause episodes of seizures.
There is no clinical evidence that Levesam XR 500 mg Tablet affects fertility in either men or women. But, if you are trying to get pregnant, consult your doctor.
Do not stop taking Levesam XR 500 mg Tablet until instructed by your doctor. You may get side effects like confusion, depression, nervousness, sweating, and diarrhea. Your doctor may lower the dose of Levesam XR 500 mg Tablet if using it for more than 2-4 weeks of treatment to reduce side effects.
Levesam XR 500 mg Tablet is prescribed for the long term when used for epilepsy. So, if Levesam XR 500 mg Tablet is prescribed for more than 4 weeks, your doctor may reduce the dose before stopping it completely to prevent withdrawal symptoms.
Yes, if you feel unexpected puberty or slowing in growth, please consult your doctor and do as your doctor advises.
No, even if you feel better, you should not stop the medication without consulting your doctor as this might increase the episodes of seizures.
Caffeine is a stimulant that may reduce the calming effects of Levesam XR 500 mg Tablet . So, it is advisable to avoid caffeine intakes like coffee, tea, cola, or chocolate containing caffeine.
Yes, Levesam XR 500 mg Tablet may cause weight gain as an uncommon side effect. Follow a healthy diet and exercise regularly to maintain proper weight. Talk to the doctor if you have any concerns.
Levesam XR 500 mg Tablet might take a few weeks to begin working. You may still have seizures during this time.
Levesam XR 500 mg Tablet should be taken for as long as it has been prescribed by the doctor. The duration of treatment depends on your condition and response to the treatment.
Levesam XR 500 mg Tablet does not cause addiction as it is not a habit-forming medicine.
An overdose of Levesam XR 500 mg Tablet may cause sleepiness, aggression, agitation, decreased alertness, breathing problems, and coma. Consult the doctor if you have exceeded the recommended dose of Levesam XR 500 mg Tablet .
Levesam XR 500 mg Tablet should be discontinued gradually to prevent an increase in seizures. Consult the doctor if you have any concerns, the doctor will recommend gradual withdrawal of Levesam XR 500 mg Tablet .
Yes, Levesam XR 500 mg Tablet may cause sleepiness as a side effect. Therefore, avoid driving, operating heavy machinery or doing any activities that require alertness unless you know how this medicine affects you.

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