Medically Reviewed by Taylor Froiland, PharmD, RPh
Written by Adam McCown, PharmD
Seizures and epilepsy are common problems in cats and dogs. Seizures are caused by abnormal electrical activity in areas of the brain while epilepsy is a disorder that causes seizures. Most seizures are caused by epilepsy.
However, there are other causes of seizures, such as head injuries, tumors, liver disease, and poisonings. The most common sign of a seizure is sudden jerking movements of the body. Other signs include drooling, loss of bladder or bowel control, confusion, and staring into space.
Seizures can last from a few seconds to several minutes. If your pet has a seizure, it is important to keep them safe and calm. Do not try to restrain them or force anything into their mouth. Once the seizure is over, call your veterinarian.
Seizures can be treated with medications, but if the seizures are due to epilepsy, they may need to be on medication for the rest of their life. If your pet has a seizure, it is important to visit your veterinarian so they can determine the cause and prescribe the appropriate treatment. Levetiracetam Compounded Oral Capsules are U.S. FDA approved for the adjunctive treatment of seizures associated with epilepsy in dogs and cats.
When is Levetiracetam prescribed?
Levetiracetam is a prescription medication that your veterinarian will prescribe to your pet based on their individual condition. It's a medication often used as additional therapy to treat these conditions in dogs when their seizures are not well controlled by phenobarbital or bromides. It can also be used to treat seizures caused by hepatic encephalopathy or liver damage.
Levetiracetam for cats can be used as an add-on medication or can be dosed as a single therapy for cats that are unable to tolerate phenobarbital.
How is Levetiracetam administered?
Levetiracetam compounded oral capsules are given by mouth in the form of a capsule daily with or without food. If your pet vomits after dosing it on an empty stomach, try giving future doses with food. Do not crush or allow your pet to chew the capsules as they should be taken whole. The effects should be noticeable within 1 to 2 hours.
This medication should be given just as your veterinarian prescribes. If you have difficulty giving it to your pet, contact your veterinarian for some helpful tips. Do not stop the medication without talking with your veterinarian first, since withdrawal seizures or severe neurologic adverse effects can occur.
Are there any potential side effects?
Levetiracetam compounded oral capsules is generally safe, however, the most common side effects of levetiracetam in dogs include drowsiness, ataxia, and incoordination. In cats, there could be drooling, sleepiness, incoordination, and a reduced appetite.
The following medications should be used with caution when given levetiracetam: carbamazepine, central nervous system (CNS) depressants, methotrexate, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or phenobarbital. Be sure to tell your veterinarian about any medications that your pet is taking.
Where to get Levetiracetam Compounded Oral Capsules?
ExpressVet online pharmacy offers Levetiracetam Compounded Oral Capsules in various dosages and strengths to meet the needs of your pet. This medication is compounded specifically for your pet and is not available as a commercially available product. It offers the best prices on Levetiracetam Compounded Oral Capsules and will match any price you find from a competing online pharmacy.
ExpressVet provides safe and secure payment options and ships your pet's medication within 24 hours of veterinarian authorization. It also saves you 35% by transferring your compounded prescription.
Look no further than ExpressVet. If you can't find it here, let them know and they'll get it for you!
