Sometimes one kind of medicine changes the way another kind of medicine works in the body. Taking Keppra XR does not seem to cause this kind of problem. In children, regular Keppra has been used primarily to treat partial seizures, ones that begin in a limited area of the brain. With regard to regular Keppra, doctors figure out how much medicine to give to young children based mostly on their weight.
To keep side effects at a minimum, the doctor probably will prescribe a low dose to start with and increase it slowly. Children usually start with a dose of 10 milligrams mg for each kilogram kg, about 2. This would be mg per day for a pound child, for instance.
Half this amount is usually given two times a day. After a gradual increase, most children do best taking about 20 to 40 mg per kg per day, Adjusted for weight, this is a little higher than the adult dose because children's bodies eliminate regular Keppra more quickly. This indicates that caution is advised, but the benefits of the medicine may outweigh the potential risks. Studies in animals have shown some harm to the baby, but there haven't been any good studies of results in women.
Talk to your doctor or another health professional if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. We don't yet have enough information to be able to estimate the risk of various types of birth defects that might occur if Keppra XR is taken during pregnancy. We also don't know enough to compare the risk with Keppra XR to the risk with other seizure medicines.
All women who are capable of becoming pregnant should take at least 0. The most well-known of these is spina bifida, in which the spinal cord is not completely enclosed.
Women at high risk, such as those with a history of this kind of defect in a previous pregnancy, should take mcg 4 mg daily, beginning before they become pregnant. How much Keppra XR is passed through breast milk is not known for certain, but the way the body uses it suggests that probably a large portion does enter the milk.
If you want to breast-feed your baby, check with your doctor about what seizure medicine would be best for you.
Keppra XR is commonly prescribed for people over 65, but it's important for the doctor to be careful about how much Keppra XR these people take. When people are older than 65 or 70, their kidneys usually don't work as well as before.
The kidneys are responsible for removing Keppra XR from the body, so it stays in the body longer. Seniors also may be more sensitive to the side effects of Keppra XR. Some of the common side effects, like sleepiness, dizziness, or loss of strength, may worsen problems they had before taking Keppra XR. Seniors also are at greater risk of injury from falls or other accidents resulting from these problems. The lack of interactions between Keppra XR and other medicines is an advantage over most other seizure medicines commonly used by seniors.
The best amount is the amount that completely controls seizures without causing troublesome side effects. It depends on many factors, which are different for every individual.
Follow the doctor's directions. No one should stop taking Keppra XR or change the amount they take without talking to the doctor first. Stopping any seizure medicine all at once can cause a problem that may be life-threatening.
If a little extra such as an extra tablet or two is taken by accident, call the doctor for advice. For a larger overdose, call a poison control center or emergency room right away unless you have other specific directions from your doctor.
To avoid unwanted side effects, the doctor will prescribe a low dose to start and increase it gradually. Young adults usually start by taking milligrams mg once a day. The doctor gradually prescribes more until their seizures are controlled, if side effects are not troublesome. Some people need to take as much as 3, mg per day, in two doses. In the United States, companies that manufacture medicines are required to publish certain kinds of information about each product.
You can also read these documents also called "prescribing information" online. The U. To learn how to read and understand a package insert, see How to read a package insert. The mission of the Epilepsy Foundation is to lead the fight to overcome the challenges of living with epilepsy and to accelerate therapies to stop seizures, find cures, and save lives.
Skip to main content. Select a Medication Basic Advanced. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.
If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.
Do not double doses. Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing. There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Sign up for free, and stay up-to-date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID, plus expert advice on managing your health. Error Email field is required.
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Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. This content does not have an English version. If medications such as Zofran, Clonazepam, or vitamin b12 supplements are split, they will not be absorbed correctly under the tongue, causing the individual taking the medication to not receive the appropriate dose.
Common pain management medications that are formulated with a specific technology to discourage misuse and abuse. While splitting or cutting tablets in half is not recommended, if you do wish to break a tablet in half here are some important things to consider:.
Unlike knives or scissors, tablet splitters ensure an even cut every time you cut or split a medication. Even cuts are important as they allow for you to continue to take the appropriate dosage of medication once it is split in half.
Once a tablet is split, it loses its integrity and can crumble and deteriorate quicker than usual. There is always an exception to the general rules mentioned above, but your pharmacists can provide you with the knowledge around your specific medication and your dosage. Work with your pharmacist to determine how to take the proper dosage for your medication.
Always be sure to consult with your care team prior to making any changes to your medication. Splitting tablets can be an option for specific patients when necessary, but generally not recommended due to a lack of consistency and potency.
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