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Overdose with levetiracetam: a case report and review of the literature.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  22725831     Owner:  NLM     Status:  Publisher    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
What is known and Objective:  Levetiracetam is an anticonvulsant agent that was first approved for use in the United States in 1999 and has a maximum recommended adult dose of 3000 mg daily. It has been noted to have a relatively mild adverse effect profile, with the most common side effects being somnolence, asthenia, infection, and dizziness. Although it has been widely prescribed, there have been few reports on the safety of this agent in overdose. Case summary:  We present the case of a 49-year-old man who ingested over 22 500 mg of levetiracetam in a suicide attempt. The patient arrived at the Emergency Department 6·5 h after the ingestion and was noted to have no significant sequelae from the ingestion. Based on the patient's weight, he ingested 358 mg/kg of levetiracetam. What is new and Conclusion:  The few cases of levetiracetam overdose reported in the literature were associated with relatively mild, if any, symptoms. However, one patient who overdosed on levetiracetam became obtunded and developed significant respiratory distress that required intubation and ventilatory support. Therefore, clinical vigilance is still required in the cases of levetiracetam overdose.
Authors:
T M Larkin; A N Cohen-Oram; G Catalano; M C Catalano
Publication Detail:
Type:  JOURNAL ARTICLE     Date:  2012-6-21
Journal Detail:
Title:  Journal of clinical pharmacy and therapeutics     Volume:  -     ISSN:  1365-2710     ISO Abbreviation:  -     Publication Date:  2012 Jun 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2012-6-25     Completed Date:  -     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  8704308     Medline TA:  J Clin Pharm Ther     Country:  -    
Other Details:
Languages:  ENG     Pagination:  -     Citation Subset:  -    
Copyright Information:
© 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa, FL Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences Service, James A. Haley Veterans Hospital, Tampa, FL Ambulatory Care Service, James A. Haley Veterans Hospital, Tampa, FL, USA.
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