Patient/caregiver was educated on the side-effects of using Levetiracetam as follows:
General allergic reactions
- Levetiracetam use can result in general allergic reactions, such as, skin rashes, hives, and itching.
- Some patients can present with symptoms of severe allergic and anaphylactic response with Levetiracetam, such as, difficulty breathing, swelling of face, lips, throat, and tongue, with consequent difficulty breathing. Seek emergency medical help for such findings, especially with difficulty breathing, for any appropriate measures to be considered.
Cardiovascular side-effects
- Levetiracetam intake carries a risk of causing mild increase in the blood pressure and result in episodes of headache, nose bleeds, blurred vision, chest pain, pounding sensation in the neck and ears, and confusion. Individuals with history of poor blood pressure control can be at increased risk for hypertension with Levetiracetam.
- Levetiracetam also carries the risk of causing and/or aggravating some underlying cardiac arrhythmias leading to severe debility and death. Individuals can present with episodes of chest pain, rapid heart rate, palpitations, dizziness, and shortness of breath.
