The therapeutic range for levetiracetam is about 12.0 – 46.0 mcg/mL (mg/L). Levels above 46 mcg/mL are considered potentially toxic.

AED blood levels can assist in the treatment of cluster seizures. • AED blood levels can assist in the treatment of status epilepticus. • AED blood level measurement can help identify possible interactions between AEDs.

Abstract. Background: Serum anti-epileptic drug (AED) levels are indicated to assess AED adherence or toxicity, and are applicable to only a few AEDs.

The triad of anticonvulsants toxicity is central nervous system depression, nystagmus, and ataxia. Many agents are fairly benign in the setting of toxicity, but severe toxicity may be associated with seizure, coma & death.

Is My Blood Checked for Keppra®? Currently, little is known about the therapeutic range for blood levels for Keppra® . Therefore, levels may not routinely be checked. Dosing is usually based on patient tolerance and effectiveness in seizure control.

When checking carbamazepine levels in a patient on a regular medication regimen, the specimen should be drawn immediately prior to next carbamazepine dose (trough).

Evaluation

1. Monitor patient response to therapy (decrease in incidence or absence of seizures).
2. Monitor for adverse effects (e.g. CNS changes, GI depression, bone marrow suppression, severe dermatological reactions, liver toxicity, etc).

Imaging tests may include:

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). An MRI scan uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create a detailed view of your brain.
• Computerized tomography (CT).
• Positron emission tomography (PET).
• Single-photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT).

In addition to the common side effects of antiepileptic drugs, like dizziness, drowsiness, and mental slowing; other side effects like weight gain, metabolic acidosis, nephrolithiasis, angle closure glaucoma, skin rash, hepatotoxicity, colitis, and movement and behavioral disorders, to name a few, have been brought to …

Anticonvulsants work by calming hyperactivity in the brain in various ways. For this reason, some of these drugs are used to treat epilepsy, prevent migraines, and treat other brain disorders. They are often prescribed for people who have rapid cycling — four or more episodes of mania and depression in a year.

1. Draw blood immediately before next scheduled dose. 2. For sustained-release formulations ONLY, draw blood a minimum of 12 hours after last dose.

TEST: 716936.

Divalproex may increase the effectiveness of many medications, including anticoagulants and other mood stabilizers. Certain antibiotics may increase the levels of some anticonvulsants, resulting in a potentially toxic combination. Other major drug groups that may interact poorly with anticonvulsants include antidepressants and heart medications.

Patients should consult their physicians before taking any additional prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, nutritional supplements or herbal medications. In general, anticonvulsants add to the effects of alcohol and other central nervous system (CNS) depressants and increase drowsiness.

Anticonvulsant drugs are classified as either first-generation (classic) agents or second-generation agents. Second-generation anticonvulsants are usually better tolerated and have a broader therapeutic range than classic anticonvulsant drugs.

As a result, elderly patients may be especially likely to experience certain side effects associated with anticonvulsants, including confusion, restlessness and nervousness, altered heartbeat (i.e., irregular, pounding or slow) or chest pain. Lower dosage levels of anti-convulsant medications can help reduce the chances of side effects.