Levetiracetam Test
Levetiracetam Test
The Levetiracetam test is a laboratory assay used to determine the concentration of this drug in a blood sample to ensure it is within safe levels. Initially, the test is performed before treatment to establish the right dosage for an individual. Later, it is ordered to evaluate the effectiveness of the drug in controlling seizures and determine if an adjustment to the prescribed dose is necessary.
Routine therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of levetiracetam is not recommended for all patients due to the drug's wide therapeutic range. However, it is periodically done if the treated person becomes pregnant or experiences a health change that reduces kidney function or affects the rate of drug clearance.
Levetiracetam is a novel anticonvulsant agent used to manage different types of seizures in epileptic adults, children, and infants one month of age or older. It is used either alone or in combination with other medications. Off-label, the drug is even used to treat manic states and prevent migraine. Epilepsy is a medical condition that causes seizures due to abnormal electrical activity produced by damaged brain cells.
What is the Levetiracetam Blood Test Used For?
Your doctor may request a Levetiracetam test
To establish the range that is therapeutic for an individual
To verify patient’s compliance to the levetiracetam as prescribed
To assess the effectiveness of the levetiracetam in controlling the seizure symptoms
To evaluate patients’ response to the levetiracetam
To detect and monitor potential side effects or complications related to levetiracetam
To judge the effect of additional drugs on the concentration of levetiracetam in the blood when the individual starts or stops taking them
Symptoms of Levetiracetam Overdose
The adverse effects of levetiracetam overdose may include
Difficulty in breathing
Nausea and vomiting
Excessive aggression
Feeling of sleepiness or drowsiness
Mood swings
Excessive tiredness
Lack of coordination
Thoughts of suicide (in rare cases)
Preparation for Test
No specific preparation is required to undergo a levetiracetam blood test. However, you may be asked to submit the blood sample just before the next dose schedule.
Interpretation of Test Results
For most epileptic patients, the therapeutic range of levetiracetam in the blood is typically between 10.0 to 40.0 µg/mL. However, some individuals may respond to the drug outside this range and may even show drug toxicity within the therapeutic range. Therefore, the interpretation of the toxicity test is usually made by taking the patient’s clinical symptoms into context.
FAQs
When is the Levetiracetam blood test recommended?
This test is usually recommended for those individuals who
- Have been recently diagnosed with epilepsy and are prescribed levetiracetam as part of their treatment plan
- Have symptoms of seizures recurrently despite being on the standard dose of levetiracetam
- Experiences a troublesome level of side effects and/or develops complications related to an overdose of levetiracetam
- Has developed a decreased kidney function
- Take other medicines that could affect the effectiveness of levetiracetam
What if my Levetiracetam test results are abnormal?
If your Levetiracetam test results are abnormal, your doctor will interpret them with your medical history and other diagnostic tests. They will then provide you with a new treatment plan, which may involve adjusting the levetiracetam dose or initiating treatment with a new drug.
How reliable are the results of the Levetiracetam test?
The results of this test are highly reliable if the test is conducted in an accredited laboratory, with interpretation done by a qualified healthcare professional.
What must I do If I miss my levetiracetam dose?
If you miss a dose, it is important to take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is near the time of your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to the regular schedule. Don’t try to double up on doses, as it can evoke unnecessary symptoms.
Can taking other medicines influence the results of the levetiracetam test?
Yes, a concurrent administration of enzyme-inducing (e.g., phenytoin) and enzyme-inhibiting (e.g., valproate) antiepileptic drugs can influence the results of this test.
Related tests
Tests At Lupin Diagnostics