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Levetiracetam

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Summary

▲ Levetiracetam is an ethyl analogue of the nootropic agent piracetam.

▲ Results from rodent studies indicate that the drug may offer protection against absence, generalised and partial seizures.

▲ Levetiracetam exhibits linear pharmacokinetics and has a wide therapeutic index. Its potential to interact with other anticonvulsants appears to be low.

▲ Initial findings from a total of 29 patients with treatment-refractory epilepsy suggest that levetiracetam may be beneficial in patients with partial seizures. These results require confirmation.

▲ Somnolence and asthenia were the most common adverse events reported in patients receiving levetiracetam 1000 to 4000 mg/day; these appeared to be dose-related.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Adis International Limited, 41 Centorian Drive, Private Bag 65901, Mairangi Bay, Auckland 10, New Zealand

    Malini Haria & Julia A. Balfour

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  1. Malini Haria
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  2. Julia A. Balfour
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Correspondence to Malini Haria.

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Haria, M., Balfour, J.A. Levetiracetam. CNS Drugs 7, 159–164 (1997). https://doi.org/10.2165/00023210-199707020-00006

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