... longer?
Levetiracetam - what are the long term effects of taking this drug over 10 years, 20 years?
Question posted by darrellburp on 27 March 2012
Last updated on 19 August 2015 by crystal1979
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Answers
I have done a lot of research regarding the long term effects of levetiracetam, and have found some interesting info. I have been talking this drug for 9 years and zoloft for 6 years. Long term side effects are more recently being reported as the drug has only been aproved/used in the last 10 1/2 years. #1 loss of bone mass ( which leads to weaker bones that can result in susceptibility to breaks & fractures) #2 Gingivitis ( untreated even for a short time results in tooth decay) #3 This medication makes it difficult for your body to absorb essential vitamins needed to maintain your health, and it is highly recommended that patients take a good vitamin supplement especially high in B complex to substitute for that loss. #4 Also reported by a small # of patients taking drug over 7 years, is memory impairment ( forgetting names, unable to find words for everyday items, timeline confusion, appointments, a simple ingredient for something they've been making since their teen years, often misplaced items, or forget where they were going). #4 Vision impairment ... There are also mixed findings on the effects it may have on kidneys and liver. To minimize negative long term side effects, many health professionals recommend sustaining from alcohol and eat a healthy balanced meal, exercise daily, and get plenty of rest ( dont forget to drink lots of water!).
It's difficult to say what sort of effects taking long term levetiracetam would have.
Related topics
Further information
- Levetiracetam uses and safety info
- Levetiracetam prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Levetiracetam (detailed)
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