Retrospective Analysis Of Efficacy And Tolerability Of Keppra XR In An Outpatient Setting

Keppra XR Extended release (levetiracetam extended-release tablets) recently became available for use as an add-on to other antiepileptic treatments for people with partial onset seizures who were 16 years of age and older as of September 2008. There is limited data about its efficacy and tolerability at the present time. We retrospectively analyzed data from 25 epilepsy patients who received Keppra XR ranging from 500 3000 mg per day as standard once a day dosing. The mean age was 33.8 years. 19 (76%) patients have partial and 6 (24%) have generalized epilepsy. In 17 (68%) patients, Keppra XR was used as monotherapy and in 8 (40 %) as adjunctive therapy. A favorable response to Keppra XR was seen in 21 (84%) patients in terms of efficacy. No major side-effects were reported. However, Keppra XR was tapered off in 4 subjects secondary to dizziness, somnolence and lack of efficacy. From our limited retrospective analysis, Keppra XR was also found to be effective as a monotherapy.