While there are no medications strictly contraindicated (meaning they should never be taken) with levetiracetam, certain drugs require significant caution and close medical supervision due to potential interactions. It is crucial to always discuss all your current medications, including over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and herbal remedies, with your doctor or pharmacist to ensure safe and effective treatment.
Medications Requiring Caution with Levetiracetam
When taking levetiracetam, specific medications may necessitate careful monitoring or dose adjustments by your healthcare provider. These interactions can potentially affect the effectiveness of levetiracetam, alter the levels of other drugs in your body, or increase the risk of side effects.
Key Medications to Discuss with Your Doctor
The following table outlines the main categories of drugs that require caution when taken concurrently with levetiracetam:
| Category | Specific Medications | Why Caution is Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Laxatives | Macrogol (also known as polyethylene glycol or PEG) | Macrogol is a laxative that can potentially decrease the absorption of levetiracetam from the digestive system. This might lead to lower levels of levetiracetam in the body, potentially reducing its effectiveness in controlling seizures. Your doctor may advise taking levetiracetam at a different time of day than macrogol to minimize this effect. |
| Other Epilepsy Medicines | Carbamazepine, Lamotrigine, Oxcarbazepine, Phenobarbital, Phenytoin | These are other common anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs). While sometimes prescribed together, combinations can lead to altered drug levels, increased side effects, or a need for dose adjustments of either levetiracetam or the other AED. Close monitoring is essential to manage seizure control and minimize adverse reactions. |
| Other Specific Medications | Methotrexate | Methotrexate is a medicine used to treat conditions like arthritis and certain cancers. Taking methotrexate with levetiracetam can potentially increase the levels of methotrexate in the body, leading to a higher risk of its side effects. Your doctor will carefully monitor your blood levels if these medications are prescribed together. |
Importance of Professional Guidance
It's vital to never stop or start any medication or supplement without first consulting your healthcare provider. They can assess your individual health profile, potential risks, and benefits to create a safe and effective medication plan. For comprehensive guidance on medication interactions and your specific health needs, always refer to trusted health resources and your medical professional. For more general information on taking levetiracetam, you can consult reliable health websites like the NHS website.
