Overdose with levetiracetam: a case report and review of the literature

Abstract

The few cases of levetiracetam overdose reported in the literature were associated with relatively mild, if any, symptoms. However, one patient who overdosed on levetiracetam became obtunded and developed significant respiratory distress that required intubation and ventilatory support. Therefore, clinical vigilance is still required in the cases of levetiracetam overdose.

Levetiracetam and topiramate poisoning: Two overdoses on those drugs with no lasting effects

“…Additionally, levetiracetam has a favorable pharmacokinetic profile with quick absorption through oral intake, superb bioavailability, rapid attainment of steady-state concentrations, linear kinetics, and minimal plasma protein binding (2). Levetiracetam is not metabolized by the cytochrome P450 system but by the enzymatic degradation of its acetamide group (1,2). If it is administered orally, its absorption is not affected by food material.…”

“…Levetiracetam entered the market in 2000 when it was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (1). Levetiracetam is currently being used for partial seizures and as an adjunctive therapy for generalized tonic-clonic convulsions (1)(2)(3).…”

“…Levetiracetam is currently being used for partial seizures and as an adjunctive therapy for generalized tonic-clonic convulsions (1)(2)(3). The mechanism of action of levetiracetam involves its effect on the intraneuronal concentration of calcium and amelioration of the inhibition of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glycine channels.…”

The Effects of Levetiracetam on Cerebrospinal Fluid and Plasma NPY and GAL, and on the Components of Stress Response System, hs-CRP, and S100B Protein in Serum of Patients with Refractory Epilepsy

“…The target protein of this drug is synaptic vesicle protein 2, ubiquitous glycoprotein in synaptic vesicles of neurons that may prepare secretory vesicles for fusion. Levetiracetam and its analogs bind to SV2A, and this interaction seems to mediate the anticonvulsant activity of the drugs and promote the release of neurotransmitter [25][26][27]. Comparing to traditional AEDs, levetiracetam has many advantages including complete oral absorption and low protein binding ratio.…”

A case of mycosis fungoides-like lesions developing after levetiracetam therapy

“…Levetiracetam-related side effects were observed at a rate of 17.2–51.3% and usually occurred within the first 5 months of treatment [1] . Central nervous system side effects are the most common side effects but are usually mild; other common side effects are irritability, drowsiness, and dizziness [2] .…”