Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking Levetiracetam as follows:
- Levetiracetam carries the risk of inducing/aggravating tremors, muscle weakness, unsteadiness, motor incoordination, and compromised balance, thus increasing the fall risk. Confusion and dizziness with Levetiracetam use, can add to the fall risk, thus enhancing it further. Plan most of the activity for the patient around caregiver availability, so that, caregivers can exercise a close watch on patients taking Levetiracetam, to prevent any falls and accidents. Slow change of position, seeking caregiver assistance during ambulation and ADL performance, and observing compliance with DME and other supportive devices can help to reduce fall risk and prevent any accidents from happening. While taking Levetiracetam, report to your physician regarding any deteriorating motor coordination and balance, episodes of fall and compromised safety, so that, your dosage on the medication could be revised and other appropriate recommendations made.
- Levetiracetam carries significant risk of suppressing production of white blood cells from the bone marrow and lead to agranulocytosis. Reduced white blood cell count can contribute to lowered immunity, thus resulting in frequent fever, chills, sore throat, and risk for frequent infections. While taking Levetiracetam, report to your physician regarding any exacerbation of infection incidents, to seek further advice and recommendations.
- Levetiracetam can take some time to fairly adjust to your body, before any relief with nerve pain and control of seizure activity is experienced. So, do not discontinue taking the medication without your physician’s consult, as you failed to see the desired result immediately after taking the medication.
