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Low dose levetiracetam
Low-dose levetiracetam reduces neuronal excitability by binding to synaptic vesicle protein SV2A, modulating neurotransmitter release.
Low-dose levetiracetam reduces neuronal excitability by binding to synaptic vesicle protein SV2A, modulating neurotransmitter release. Used for Epilepsy (standard indication), Off-label use for anxiety, mood disorders, or neuropathic pain (low-dose formulations).
At a glance
| Generic name | Low dose levetiracetam |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Keppra, Low levetiracetam |
| Sponsor | Richard H. Haas |
| Drug class | Antiepileptic agent |
| Target | SV2A (synaptic vesicle protein 2A) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Neurology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Levetiracetam is an antiepileptic drug that acts primarily through binding to the synaptic vesicle protein SV2A, which is involved in vesicle exocytosis and neurotransmitter release. At low doses, it provides neuroprotective effects with reduced side effects compared to standard dosing. The exact mechanism of action at the molecular level remains incompletely understood, but SV2A binding is considered the primary mechanism.
Approved indications
- Epilepsy (adjunctive therapy)
- Myoclonic seizures
- Partial-onset seizures
Common side effects
- Somnolence
- Dizziness
- Asthenia/fatigue
- Behavioral changes/mood changes
- Ataxia
- Headache
Key clinical trials
- Ketamine add-on Therapy for Established Status Epilepticus Treatment Trial (KESETT) (PHASE3)
- Clinical Trial Evaluating the Efficacy and Safety of AGB101 for Treatment of Parkinson's Disease Related Psychosis (PHASE2)
- Low vs. Standard Daily Doses of Antiepileptic Drugs in Newly Diagnosed, Previously Untreated Epilepsy(STANDLOW) (PHASE4)
- A Study to Investigate JNJ-40411813 in Combination With Levetiracetam or Brivaracetam in Epilepsy (PHASE2)
- Clinical Trial of AGB101 for Mild Cognitive Impairment (PHASE2)
- Clinical Trial Evaluating the Efficacy of AGB101 for Reducing Hippocampal Overactivity in Older Adults (PHASE2)
- Effects of Low-dose Levetiracetam on Clinical Symptoms, Cognition and Hippocampal Hyperactivity in Schizophrenia (NA)
- Fast Acute Sedation at Intensive Care vs. High-dose i.v. Anti-seizure Medication for Treatment of Non-convulsive Status Epilepticus (FAST-trial) (PHASE3)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Low dose levetiracetam CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Low dose levetiracetam updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Richard H. Haas portfolio CI