Last reviewed 2026-06-03 · How we verify

Levetiracetam (LEV)

Levetiracetam (LEV) is a Antiepileptic drug (AED) Small molecule drug developed by UCB Japan Co. Ltd.. It is currently FDA-approved for Partial-onset seizures (adjunctive therapy), Myoclonic seizures in juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (adjunctive therapy), Primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures (adjunctive therapy). Also known as: Keppra, E Keppra.

Levetiracetam reduces neuronal excitability and seizure activity through binding to synaptic vesicle protein SV2A, modulating neurotransmitter release.

Levetiracetam (LEV) is a small molecule that modulates the synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A, a protein involved in neurotransmitter release. It is used to treat conditions such as epilepsy, partial seizures, and status epilepticus, and has been studied in various clinical trials, including those involving patients with renal impairments.

At a glance

Mechanism of action

Levetiracetam is a pyrrolidone derivative that binds to the synaptic vesicle protein SV2A, which is involved in vesicle exocytosis and neurotransmitter release. This binding reduces the release of excitatory neurotransmitters and stabilizes neuronal membranes, thereby suppressing seizure propagation. Unlike many other antiepileptic drugs, it does not directly interact with ion channels or GABA receptors.

Approved indications

• Partial-onset seizures (adjunctive therapy)
• Myoclonic seizures in juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (adjunctive therapy)
• Primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures (adjunctive therapy)

Common side effects

• Somnolence
• Asthenia/fatigue
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Behavioral/mood changes (irritability, anxiety)
• Ataxia
• Infection

Key clinical trials

• Ketamine add-on Therapy for Established Status Epilepticus Treatment Trial (KESETT) (PHASE3)
• Levetiracetam for Persons at Risk for Alzheimer's Disease (PHASE2)
• LEvetiracetam to Prevent Seizures in Symptomatic Alzheimer's Disease in Adults With Down Syndrome (PHASE3)
• Levetiracetam Treatment of Neonatal Seizures: Safety and Efficacy Phase II Study (PHASE2)
• A Dose Escalation Study of Levetiracetam in the Treatment of Neonatal Seizures (PHASE2)
• Efficacy Comparison Between Levetiracetam and Valproic Acid in Pediatric Patients With Status Epilepticus (NA)
• Early Initiated Ambulance-delivered Levetiracetam and Headposition in Hyper-acute Stroke Trial (PHASE3)
• Physiological-based Pharmacokinetics Approach to Medication Exposure During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

Competitive intelligence

For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:

• Levetiracetam (LEV) CI brief — competitive landscape report
• Levetiracetam (LEV) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
• UCB Japan Co. Ltd. portfolio CI

Frequently asked questions about Levetiracetam (LEV)

Related

• Drug class: All Antiepileptic drug (AED) drugs
• Target: All drugs targeting SV2A (synaptic vesicle protein 2A)
• Manufacturer: UCB Japan Co. Ltd. — full pipeline
• Therapeutic area: All drugs in Neurology
• Indication: Drugs for Partial-onset seizures (adjunctive therapy)
• Indication: Drugs for Myoclonic seizures in juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (adjunctive therapy)
• Indication: Drugs for Primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures (adjunctive therapy)
• Also known as: Keppra, E Keppra

Primary sources · FDA · ClinicalTrials.gov · EMA · SEC EDGAR · ChEMBL · Wikidata · full sourcing