Levetiracetam 500 mg: uses, price & cheaper substitutes
Prescription required (Schedule H)
Common uses: Epilepsy – focal (partial) seizures in adults and children, alone or with other medicines; Generalised tonic-clonic seizures and juvenile myoclonic epilepsy.
Listed MRPs range from ₹6.39 to ₹13.97 per tablet across 8 listings. Use only on a doctor's prescription.
Price comparison
| Brand | Manufacturer | Pack | MRP | ₹ / tablet | As on |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Levetiracetam Tablets IP 500 mgJan Aushadhi | Jan Aushadhi (PMBJP) | 10 | ₹63.94 | ₹6.39 | 19 October 2026 |
| Levipil 500 | Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd | 15 | ₹207.82 | ₹13.85 | 19 October 2026 |
| Torleva 500 | Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd | 10 | ₹138.60 | ₹13.86 | 19 October 2026 |
| Levesam 500 | Abbott | 15 | ₹207.98 | ₹13.87 | 19 October 2026 |
| Keppra 500 | Dr Reddy's Laboratories Ltd | 14 | ₹195.27 | ₹13.95 | 19 October 2026 |
| Epilive 500 | Lupin Ltd | 15 | ₹209.25 | ₹13.95 | 19 October 2026 |
| Levexx 500 | Zydus Healthcare Limited | 10 | ₹139.55 | ₹13.96 | 19 October 2026 |
| Levera 500 | Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd | 15 | ₹209.48 | ₹13.97 | 19 October 2026 |
MRPs as printed/listed on the date shown; actual price may vary.
Uses
- Epilepsy – focal (partial) seizures in adults and children, alone or with other medicines.
- Generalised tonic-clonic seizures and juvenile myoclonic epilepsy.
- Preventing seizures after head injury, brain surgery or stroke, when prescribed by a neurologist.
How to take it
Take the tablets twice a day, morning and evening, about 12 hours apart, with or without food. Swallow whole with water; do not crush or chew unless you have the dispersible (DT) version. Your doctor starts with a low dose and increases it over a few weeks. Levetiracetam is a long-term medicine – missing doses can bring on a seizure, so set a daily alarm. Never stop suddenly; your doctor will reduce the dose slowly over weeks if it needs to be stopped. See your doctor promptly if your mood, temper or behaviour changes.
Side effects
Common
- Sleepiness, tiredness or dizziness.
- Headache.
- Irritability, short temper or feeling low.
- Nausea or loss of appetite.
- Runny nose or sore throat.
Serious
Stop and get medical help urgently if you notice any of these.
- Severe mood change, aggression, thoughts of self-harm – tell your doctor immediately.
- Severe skin reaction – blistering rash, mouth ulcers, fever (Stevens-Johnson syndrome).
- Allergic reaction – swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing.
- Seizures that become more frequent after a dose change.
Safety information
Alcohol
Avoid alcohol. It adds to drowsiness and can itself trigger seizures.
Pregnancy
Can be continued in pregnancy if needed – uncontrolled seizures are more dangerous to the baby. Tell your doctor before conceiving; the dose often needs raising in pregnancy and folic acid is advised. Passes into breast milk; discuss breastfeeding with your doctor.
Kidney problems
Cleared by the kidneys, so the dose is lowered in kidney disease and after dialysis. Tell your doctor your creatinine.
Liver problems
No dose change is needed for liver disease alone.
Children
Used in children from 1 month of age, with weight-based doses; the syrup is usual for small children.
Missed dose
Take it as soon as you remember, unless the next dose is nearly due – then skip the missed one. Never double the dose. If you miss several doses, call your doctor.
Interactions
- Other epilepsy medicines (valproate, carbamazepine, phenytoin) – usually fine together, but your neurologist decides the combination.
- Methotrexate – levels can rise; tell your doctor.
- Macrogol laxatives – may reduce absorption; keep a gap of an hour.
- Sleeping tablets, alprazolam, codeine or antihistamines – more drowsiness.
- Avoid St John's wort and ask before any herbal or ayurvedic product.
Frequently asked questions
Levipil 500 should be taken before or after food?
Either. Food does not affect how levetiracetam works. What matters is taking it at the same two times every day, about 12 hours apart.
Can I take Levipil 500 with alcohol?
It is best avoided. Alcohol makes the drowsiness worse and can lower your seizure threshold, so a drink can itself bring on a fit.
Levipil 500 vs Levipil XR 500 – what is the difference?
Levipil 500 is taken twice a day. Levipil XR is an extended-release tablet taken once a day. Do not switch between them without your neurologist, and never crush an XR tablet.
Does Levera 500 cause anger or mood changes?
Irritability and low mood are known side effects, especially early on or after a dose increase. Tell your doctor; a dose adjustment or vitamin B6 sometimes helps, and serious mood changes need an urgent review.
Is Levipil 500 safe in pregnancy?
Levetiracetam is one of the preferred epilepsy medicines in pregnancy because stopping treatment is riskier. Plan the pregnancy with your neurologist, start folic acid early and expect dose checks through pregnancy.
What if I miss a dose of Levipil 500?
Take it as soon as you remember unless the next dose is close. Do not take two together. Missing doses is the commonest reason for a breakthrough seizure, so set a phone alarm.
Can I drive while taking Levipil?
Not if you feel sleepy or dizzy, and Indian rules require a seizure-free period before driving. Discuss this with your neurologist.
How long will I need to take Levipil 500?
Usually for years. Your doctor may consider slowly tapering it only after a long seizure-free period, and never suddenly.
Is levetiracetam 500 available at Jan Aushadhi?
Yes, levetiracetam 500 mg is listed in the Jan Aushadhi scheme and is under NPPA price control. You still need a prescription, and it is best not to keep changing brands.
Sources
- NHS – Levetiracetam (19 October 2026)
- NPPA Pharma Sahi Daam (ceiling prices) (19 October 2026)
- PMBI Jan Aushadhi Product & MRP List (19 October 2026)
Medyzen Editorial Team · Last updated
This page is general information, not medical advice. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without asking a doctor or pharmacist. Terms