The use of levetiracetam in refractory status epilepticus

Seizure. 2006 Apr;15(3):137-41. doi: 10.1016/j.seizure.2005.12.003. Epub 2006 Jan 19.

Abstract

Six patients with status epilepticus (SE) of various etiologies refractory to at least two antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) had complete cessation of their seizures following administration of oral levetiracetam (LEV). Seizure types included convulsive, focal, and nonconvulsive status epilepticus. Effective doses of levetiracetam ranged from 500 to 3000 mg/day, achieving seizure control within 12-96 h. No significant adverse events were noted. Adjunctive levetiracetam should be considered for patients with status epilepticus unresponsive to initial therapy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Anticonvulsants / administration & dosage
  • Anticonvulsants / therapeutic use*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Levetiracetam
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Piracetam / administration & dosage
  • Piracetam / analogs & derivatives*
  • Piracetam / therapeutic use
  • Status Epilepticus / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Anticonvulsants
  • Levetiracetam
  • Piracetam