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 500mg?
Lerace Tablets 500mg contain Levetiracetam — an anti-epileptic drug or AED (مرگی کی دوا) used to treat various types of seizures (دورے) in adults, adolescents, and children. Levetiracetam works by binding selectively to the SV2A synaptic vesicle protein in the brain — modulating the release of neurotransmitters and stabilising the abnormal electrical brain activity (دماغ میں غیر معمولی برقی سرگرمی) that causes seizures. The 500mg tablet is the standard therapeutic strength — used as the maintenance dose for most patients after gradual dose escalation from the 250mg starting strength, and as the standard starting dose for myoclonic and tonic-clonic seizures. Lerace 500mg can be used as monotherapy or in combination with other anti-epileptic medicines — and has the clinical advantage of fewer drug interactions than most older AEDs. It requires a valid prescription and must be used under specialist neurological supervision.
What is Lerace 500mg Used For?
Lerace Tablets 500mg 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 — used in adults, adolescents, and children 6 years of age and older — both as monotherapy in newly diagnosed patients (16 years and older) and as adjunctive therapy alongside other AEDs
Myoclonic Seizures (عضلاتی دورے) — sudden, brief, involuntary muscle jerks (اچانک پٹھوں کا جھٹکا) — used in patients 12 years and older with Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy. The 500mg twice daily dose is the standard starting dose for this indication
Primary Generalised Tonic-Clonic Seizures (عام دورے — پورے جسم میں) — generalised convulsions involving stiffening followed by rhythmic jerking (پورے جسم میں جھٹکے) — used in adults and adolescents 6 years and older with Idiopathic Generalised Epilepsy. The 500mg twice daily dose is the standard starting dose for this indication
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 500mg Work?
Lerace contains Levetiracetam — a pyrrolidine derivative that works through a unique mechanism distinct from all other anti-epileptic drug classes.
Levetiracetam binds selectively to the SV2A protein (Synaptic Vesicle Protein 2A — سائنیپٹک ویزیکل پروٹین) on the surface of nerve cell vesicles throughout the brain. These vesicles store and release neurotransmitters — the chemical messengers that carry signals between nerve cells. By binding to SV2A, Levetiracetam modulates neurotransmitter release — reducing the excessive, abnormal bursts of electrical activity (غیر معمولی برقی سرگرمی) that trigger and propagate seizures.
Unlike older AEDs that work by broadly blocking sodium channels or enhancing GABA inhibition, Levetiracetam's SV2A mechanism is highly selective — producing effective seizure control with a more targeted action and fewer systemic effects.
The 500mg strength represents the standard maintenance dose for most adult patients — providing therapeutic blood levels that achieve consistent seizure control throughout the day when taken twice daily at 12-hour intervals. Its rapid absorption — reaching peak blood levels within 1 to 2 hours — and predictable pharmacokinetics make it reliable for day-to-day epilepsy management.
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 | Typical Use of 500mg Strength | Maximum Dose |
|---|---|---|
| Partial-onset seizures — adults ≥16 years | 500mg twice daily — after escalation from 250mg | Up to 1500mg twice daily |
| Partial-onset seizures — children 6–15 years | Weight-based dosing — as directed by neurologist | Up to 30mg/kg twice daily |
| Myoclonic seizures — adults and adolescents ≥12 years | 500mg twice daily — standard starting dose | Up to 1500mg twice daily |
| Tonic-clonic seizures — adults and adolescents ≥12 years | 500mg twice daily — standard starting dose | Up to 1500mg twice daily |
| Monotherapy — adults ≥16 years | 500mg 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 the same times each day
- Take doses every 12 hours to maintain consistent blood levels (12 گھنٹے کے وقفے سے لیں)
- Never stop Lerace suddenly — abrupt discontinuation can trigger dangerous increases in seizure frequency or status epilepticus (اچانک بند نہ کریں — مسلسل دورے پڑ سکتے ہیں)
- Dose will be increased gradually as directed by your neurologist — do not accelerate this yourself
- 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 ID card or wear a medical alert bracelet stating your epilepsy diagnosis and medicines
Active Ingredients
| Ingredient | Role |
|---|---|
| Levetiracetam 500mg | Anti-epileptic — pyrrolidine derivative that binds selectively to SV2A synaptic vesicle protein to modulate neurotransmitter release and reduce abnormal electrical brain activity causing seizures |
Also contains standard tablet excipients. Please check the product label or ask your pharmacist for full composition details.
Who Should NOT Use Lerace 500mg?
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 renal impairment
- You have a history of depression (ڈپریشن), suicidal thoughts (خودکشی کے خیالات), or other mental health conditions — Levetiracetam can worsen psychiatric symptoms
- You are pregnant (حاملہ) or planning pregnancy — uncontrolled seizures are dangerous in pregnancy but AEDs also carry foetal risks — your neurologist must assess the best approach for your individual situation
- You are breastfeeding (دودھ پلانے والی ماں) — Levetiracetam passes into breast milk — your doctor will advise
- You are elderly (بزرگ) — kidney function declines with age and dose adjustment may be needed
- You have a history of behavioural problems or aggression (جارحانہ رویہ) — Levetiracetam can increase irritability in some patients
Side Effects
Not everyone will experience side effects. Many patients tolerate Levetiracetam well — with a generally more favourable tolerability profile than older AEDs.
Common Side Effects (عام ضمنی اثرات):
- Drowsiness and fatigue (نیند اور تھکاوٹ) — particularly at the start of treatment or after dose increases — 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) — monitor closely and report to your doctor
Serious Side Effects (سنگین ضمنی اثرات — consult your doctor promptly):
- Psychiatric and behavioural effects (ذہنی اور رویے کی تبدیلیاں) — agitation, aggression, anxiety, severe depression, hallucinations, or psychosis — seek urgent medical attention
- Suicidal thoughts or self-harm (خودکشی کے خیالات) — AEDs as a class carry a small increased risk — seek immediate medical help
- Severe skin reactions (جلد کی شدید خرابی) — blistering or peeling rash — stop immediately and seek emergency help
- Worsening seizure frequency (دوروں کا بڑھنا) — contact your neurologist immediately if seizures become more frequent or severe
- Severe infection with fever — rarely associated with reduced white blood cell counts
Contact your doctor immediately if any serious side effect occurs (فوری طور پر ڈاکٹر سے رابطہ کریں).
Drug Interactions
Levetiracetam has significantly fewer drug interactions than most other anti-epileptic medicines — a major clinical advantage. 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 | May increase CNS side effects such as drowsiness and dizziness — 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 completely during treatment |
| Sedatives and sleeping pills (نیند کی گولیاں) | Additive drowsiness — use with caution |
| Oral contraceptives (مانع حمل گولیاں) | Levetiracetam does NOT reduce hormonal contraceptive effectiveness — unlike most older AEDs — an important advantage for female patients |
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 500mg used for? Lerace 500mg 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). The 500mg tablet is the standard therapeutic strength used as the maintenance dose for most patients and as the starting dose for myoclonic and tonic-clonic seizure indications. It can be used alone or alongside other anti-epileptic medicines.
Q: What is the difference between Lerace 250mg and 500mg? Both tablets contain the same active ingredient — Levetiracetam — but at different strengths. The 250mg is the initial starting dose — used for the first two to four weeks to allow the body to adjust gradually. The 500mg is the standard maintenance dose for most adult patients — providing the therapeutic blood levels needed for consistent day-to-day seizure control. For myoclonic and tonic-clonic seizures, 500mg twice daily is also the recommended starting dose. Your neurologist will guide all dose changes.
Q: Can I stop Lerace 500mg suddenly? No — never stop Lerace abruptly (اچانک بند نہ کریں). Sudden discontinuation can trigger a dangerous increase in seizure frequency or status epilepticus (مسلسل دورے) — a life-threatening medical emergency. Your neurologist will always reduce the dose gradually over several weeks when treatment needs to be changed or discontinued. Never alter your dose independently.
Q: Does Lerace 500mg affect mood or behaviour? Yes — irritability, mood changes, and in some cases more serious psychiatric effects including depression, aggression, or psychosis can occur with Levetiracetam — particularly in the early weeks of treatment or after dose increases. Family members and caregivers should monitor for these changes and report them to the neurologist promptly. The dose may need to be adjusted or a different AED considered if these effects are significant (چڑچڑاپن یا رویے میں تبدیلی فوری ڈاکٹر کو بتائیں).
Q: Is Lerace 500mg safe for long-term use? Yes — Levetiracetam is one of the most widely used anti-epileptic medicines globally and has an established long-term safety profile. Unlike some older AEDs, it does not cause liver enzyme induction, does not reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives, and has minimal interactions with other medicines. Regular follow-up with your neurologist — including periodic kidney function monitoring — is important to ensure the dose remains appropriate throughout long-term treatment.
⚕️ 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