Keppra (KEP-ruh) is the brand name used in the United States, Canada, the UK, Australia, and some other countries for the seizure medicine levetiracetam (lev-eh-teer-ASS-eh-tam).

Keppra XR is a different form of the same medicine. The "XR" stands for "extended-release," which means that the time it takes the pills to dissolve and release the medicine is longer. Most people need to take regular Keppra two or sometimes more times a day. It can be hard to remember to take pills that often. Keppra XR is designed so that the pills can be taken only once a day. So it's a lot easier to remember and more convenient.

Forms
Keppra XR is sold in the United States by UCB Pharma, Inc. The name or appearance may be different in various countries, but the dose (measured in milligrams, abbreviated "mg") usually will be the same. This description applies to the U.S. version:

Tablets

	500-mg (white, film-coated tablet, imprinted with "UCB 500XR in red on one side)
	750-mg (white, film-coated tablet, imprinted with "UCB 750XR in red on one side)

Keppra XR is not available in generic (non-brand name) form.

How to take and store Keppra XR
Follow your doctor's directions. Call if you have any questions. Treatment will usually be started with 1000 mg once a day.

Keppra XR tablets must be swallowed whole. They should not be chewed, broken, or crushed.

It's OK to take Keppra XR either with food or without food, but it's a good idea to take it the same way every time.

Don't take more than the doctor prescribes. If you think you've taken extra tablets, call your doctor for advice. For a larger overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency room right away, unless you have special instructions from the doctor.

Don't stop taking Keppra XR or change the amount you use without talking to the doctor first. Stopping any seizure medicine all at once can cause serious problems.

Keppra XR should be stored at room temperature, away from light and humidity. (Don't keep the pills in the bathroom if it's damp there.) Of course, keep all Keppra XR out of the reach of children.

What if I forget?
If you forget a dose of Keppra XR, take it as soon as you remember if it's only been a few hours. If you're not sure about what to do, call the doctor's office for more advice.

Do your best to follow the doctor's directions. If you forget doses often, it may be a good idea to get a special pillbox or watch with an alarm to remind you.

Taking the right amount of seizure medicine on time every single day is the most important step in preventing seizures!