Drug Class: Anti-Epileptic Drug — AED | Synaptic Vesicle Protein SV2A Modulator | Form: Tablets (Oral) | Prescription Status: Prescription Only (Rx) — DRAP Registered
What is Lerace Tablets 250mg?
Lerace Tablets 250mg contain Levetiracetam — an anti-epileptic drug or AED (مرگی کی دوا) used to treat various types of seizures (دورے) in adults, adolescents, and children. Epilepsy (مرگی) is a neurological condition (دماغی بیماری) in which abnormal electrical activity in the brain causes recurrent, unprovoked seizures. Levetiracetam works through a unique mechanism that is different from most other anti-epileptic medicines — helping to stabilise abnormal electrical signals in the brain and prevent seizures from occurring or spreading. The 250mg tablet is a low starting strength — used to introduce treatment gradually and allow the body to adjust before the dose is increased under a doctor's supervision. Lerace can be used alone (monotherapy) or in combination with other anti-epileptic medicines (combination therapy) depending on the type and severity of epilepsy. It requires a valid prescription and must only be used under specialist medical supervision.
What is Lerace 250mg Used For?
Lerace Tablets 250mg is indicated for the treatment of the following seizure types:
Partial-Onset Seizures — Focal Seizures (جزوی دورے) — seizures that begin in one specific area of the brain — which may or may not spread to involve the whole brain. Used in adults, adolescents, and children 6 years of age and older — both as monotherapy in newly diagnosed patients and as add-on therapy alongside other anti-epileptic medicines
Myoclonic Seizures (عضلاتی دورے) — sudden, brief, involuntary muscle jerks (اچانک پٹھوں کا جھٹکا) — used in patients 12 years and older with Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy (JME) as adjunctive therapy
Primary Generalised Tonic-Clonic Seizures (عام دورے — پورے جسم میں) — generalised convulsions (پورے جسم میں جھٹکے) involving stiffening followed by rhythmic jerking — used in adults and adolescents 6 years and older with Idiopathic Generalised Epilepsy as adjunctive therapy
Monotherapy for Newly Diagnosed Epilepsy (نئی تشخیص شدہ مرگی) — used as a sole anti-epileptic medicine in adults and adolescents 16 years and older with partial-onset seizures with or without secondary generalisation
How Does Lerace 250mg Work?
Lerace contains Levetiracetam — an anti-epileptic medicine that works through a unique and selective mechanism distinct from all other AED classes.
Levetiracetam binds selectively to a protein called SV2A (Synaptic Vesicle Protein 2A — سائنیپٹک ویزیکل پروٹین) found on the surface of nerve cell vesicles in the brain. These vesicles store and release neurotransmitters — the chemical messengers that carry signals between nerve cells. By binding to SV2A, Levetiracetam modulates the release of neurotransmitters — reducing the excessive, abnormal bursts of electrical activity (دماغ میں غیر معمولی برقی سرگرمی) that trigger seizures.
Unlike older anti-epileptics that work primarily by blocking sodium channels or enhancing GABA activity, Levetiracetam's SV2A mechanism gives it a complementary mode of action — making it particularly useful in combination with other AEDs for patients whose seizures are not fully controlled by a single medicine.
Levetiracetam is rapidly and almost completely absorbed after oral administration — achieving peak blood levels within 1 to 2 hours of taking a dose. It has a predictable pharmacokinetic profile with minimal drug interactions compared to many other anti-epileptics — which makes it a clinically valuable choice for both monotherapy and combination therapy.
Dosage and Administration
Lerace Tablets must be taken exactly as prescribed by your neurologist or doctor. Never change your dose or stop treatment without medical advice (ڈاکٹر کے مشورے کے بغیر خوراک تبدیل نہ کریں یا دوا بند نہ کریں).
| Indication | Starting Dose | Maintenance / Maximum Dose |
|---|---|---|
| Partial-onset seizures — adults and adolescents ≥16 years | 250mg twice daily | Increase by 500mg every 2–4 weeks — maximum 1500mg twice daily |
| Partial-onset seizures — children 6–15 years | 10mg/kg twice daily | Up to 30mg/kg twice daily |
| Myoclonic seizures — adults and adolescents ≥12 years | 500mg twice daily | Up to 1500mg twice daily |
| Tonic-clonic seizures — adults and adolescents ≥12 years | 500mg twice daily | Up to 1500mg twice daily |
| Monotherapy — adults ≥16 years | 250mg twice daily | Up to 1500mg twice daily |
Important Administration Instructions:
- Swallow tablets whole with a glass of water (پانی کے ساتھ پوری گولی نگلیں)
- Can be taken with or without food — take at approximately the same times each day
- Take doses at evenly spaced intervals — usually every 12 hours (12 گھنٹے کے وقفے سے)
- Never stop Lerace suddenly — stopping abruptly can trigger a dangerous increase in seizure frequency (اچانک بند نہ کریں — دورے بڑھ سکتے ہیں)
- The dose will be gradually increased over several weeks — this is normal and expected
- If you miss a dose (خوراک بھول جائیں) — take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Never take a double dose.
- Carry a medical identification card or wear a medical alert bracelet stating you have epilepsy and your medicine
Active Ingredients
| Ingredient | Role |
|---|---|
| Levetiracetam 250mg | Anti-epileptic — binds to SV2A synaptic vesicle protein to modulate neurotransmitter release and reduce abnormal electrical brain activity that causes seizures |
Also contains standard tablet excipients. Please check the product label or ask your pharmacist for full composition details.
Who Should NOT Use Lerace 250mg?
Do not use Lerace if you (استعمال نہ کریں اگر):
- Are allergic to Levetiracetam, other pyrrolidone derivatives, or any other ingredient in the tablet (الرجی ہو)
Tell your doctor before use if (ڈاکٹر کو بتائیں اگر):
- You have kidney problems (گردے کی بیماری) — Levetiracetam is excreted by the kidneys and dose reduction is required in kidney impairment
- You have a history of depression (ڈپریشن), suicidal thoughts (خودکشی کے خیالات), or other mental health conditions — Levetiracetam can worsen or trigger psychiatric symptoms
- You are pregnant (حاملہ) or planning to become pregnant — anti-epileptic medicines carry risks to the developing baby, but uncontrolled seizures are also dangerous during pregnancy. Your neurologist will carefully assess the best approach for your individual situation
- You are breastfeeding (دودھ پلانے والی ماں) — Levetiracetam passes into breast milk — your doctor will advise whether breastfeeding is appropriate
- You are elderly (بزرگ) — kidney function naturally declines with age and dose adjustment may be needed
- You have a history of behavioural problems or aggression (جارحانہ رویہ) — Levetiracetam can increase irritability and aggression in some patients
Side Effects
Not everyone will experience side effects. Many patients tolerate Levetiracetam well — particularly compared to older anti-epileptic medicines.
Common Side Effects (عام ضمنی اثرات):
- Drowsiness and fatigue (نیند اور تھکاوٹ) — common especially at the start of treatment — do not drive until you know how Lerace affects you
- Headache (سردرد)
- Dizziness (چکر آنا)
- Nasopharyngitis — cold-like symptoms (نزلہ زکام جیسی علامات)
- Decreased appetite (بھوک کم لگنا)
- Irritability and mood changes (چڑچڑاپن اور مزاج میں تبدیلی) — important to monitor and report to your doctor
Serious Side Effects (سنگین ضمنی اثرات — consult your doctor promptly):
- Psychiatric and behavioural effects (ذہنی اور رویے کی تبدیلیاں) — including severe agitation, aggression, anxiety, depression (ڈپریشن), hallucinations, and psychosis — stop and seek urgent medical attention
- Suicidal thoughts or self-harm (خودکشی کے خیالات) — anti-epileptic drugs as a class carry a small increased risk — seek immediate medical help if this occurs
- Severe skin reactions (جلد کی شدید خرابی) — blistering or peeling rash — stop immediately and seek emergency help
- Serious infection — signs of severe, unusual infection with fever — Levetiracetam has rarely been associated with decreased white blood cells
- Worsening seizure frequency (دوروں کا بڑھنا) — if seizures become more frequent or severe, contact your neurologist immediately
If any serious side effects occur, contact your doctor immediately (فوری طور پر ڈاکٹر سے رابطہ کریں).
Drug Interactions
Levetiracetam has fewer drug interactions than most other anti-epileptic medicines — one of its key clinical advantages. However, always inform your doctor and pharmacist about all medicines you are currently taking (تمام ادویات کے بارے میں ڈاکٹر کو بتائیں).
| Medicine / Substance | Effect of Interaction |
|---|---|
| Other anti-epileptic medicines — e.g. Carbamazepine, Phenytoin (دیگر مرگی کی ادویات) | May increase CNS side effects such as drowsiness — monitor closely |
| Probenecid (گاؤٹ کی دوا) | Reduces Levetiracetam excretion — increases blood levels |
| Methotrexate | Levetiracetam may increase Methotrexate levels — use with caution |
| Alcohol (شراب) | Significantly increases drowsiness and CNS depression — avoid alcohol completely during treatment |
| Sedatives, sleeping pills, and antihistamines (نیند کی گولیاں) | Additive drowsiness — use with caution |
| Oral contraceptives (مانع حمل گولیاں) | Unlike many AEDs, Levetiracetam does not reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives — a significant advantage |
Storage Instructions
- Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place (ٹھنڈی اور خشک جگہ پر رکھیں)
- Keep away from direct sunlight and moisture (دھوپ اور نمی سے دور رکھیں)
- Keep out of reach of children (بچوں کی پہنچ سے دور رکھیں)
- Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack (میعاد ختم ہونے کے بعد استعمال نہ کریں)
- Store in the original packaging to protect from light
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is Lerace 250mg used for? Lerace 250mg contains Levetiracetam — an anti-epileptic medicine (مرگی کی دوا) used to treat partial-onset seizures (جزوی دورے), myoclonic seizures (عضلاتی دورے), and primary generalised tonic-clonic seizures (پورے جسم میں دورے). It can be used alone for newly diagnosed epilepsy or alongside other anti-epileptic medicines when seizures are not fully controlled by a single drug. The 250mg tablet is a low starting dose that is gradually increased under specialist supervision.
Q: Can I stop taking Lerace 250mg suddenly? No — never stop Lerace abruptly (اچانک بند نہ کریں). Sudden discontinuation of any anti-epileptic medicine — including Levetiracetam — can cause a significant increase in seizure frequency and severity, and may trigger status epilepticus (مسلسل دورے) — a medical emergency. Your neurologist will always reduce the dose gradually over several weeks when treatment needs to be changed or stopped.
Q: Does Lerace 250mg affect mood or behaviour? Yes — this is one of the most important things to be aware of with Levetiracetam. Some patients — particularly children and adolescents — may experience irritability (چڑچڑاپن), mood changes, aggression, or in rare cases more serious psychiatric effects such as depression or psychosis. These effects should be reported to your neurologist promptly. The dose may need to be adjusted or the medicine changed. Family members and caregivers should monitor for behavioural changes, particularly in the early weeks of treatment.
Q: Can I drive while taking Lerace 250mg? You should not drive or operate machinery until you and your doctor are confident that your epilepsy is well controlled and that Lerace does not cause drowsiness or dizziness that would affect your ability to drive safely. Driving regulations for people with epilepsy vary — your neurologist will advise you on the specific regulations applicable in your situation (گاڑی چلانے سے پہلے اپنے ڈاکٹر سے مشورہ کریں).
Q: Is Lerace 250mg safe during pregnancy? This is a complex and important question. Uncontrolled seizures during pregnancy carry serious risks to both the mother and baby — but anti-epileptic medicines also carry potential risks to the developing foetus. Current evidence suggests Levetiracetam has a relatively more favourable safety profile in pregnancy compared to many older AEDs. However, this decision must always be made by your neurologist based on your individual seizure type, control, and medical history. Never stop anti-epileptic medicine during pregnancy without specialist advice (حمل کے دوران ڈاکٹر کے مشورے کے بغیر دوا بند نہ کریں).
⚕️ Medical Disclaimer: This product description is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Lerace is a prescription anti-epileptic medicine — always take it exactly as directed by your neurologist. Never stop this medicine suddenly. If you experience suicidal thoughts, severe behavioural changes, or a significant increase in seizures, seek immediate medical attention. Epilepsy management requires regular specialist review.
DRAP Registered | Prescription Only (Rx) | For oral use only | Keep out of reach of children