Using Levetiracetam Extended Release for Dogs: Benefits & Risks
Okay, here's my blog post about using levetiracetam extended-release for dogs, written from my personal experience:
So, my dog, Buster, started having seizures a while back. It was terrifying, to say the least. The vet initially put him on phenobarbital, which, yeah, it helped control the seizures, but it also turned him into a total zombie. He was just…out of it all the time. I hated seeing him like that.
I started doing some research, talking to other dog owners, and reading everything I could find online. That's when I came across levetiracetam, also known as Keppra. And then I found out about the extended-release version, which sounded even better – fewer pills to give every day!
Switching to Levetiracetam XR
I talked to my vet about switching Buster to levetiracetam XR. We had a good long chat about the potential benefits and side effects. She was supportive, but cautious, which I appreciated. We agreed on a plan to slowly wean him off the phenobarbital while starting the levetiracetam XR.
The Transition:
- Week 1: We started with a low dose of levetiracetam XR in the morning, along with a slightly reduced dose of his usual phenobarbital. I kept a super close eye on him, watching for any signs of seizures or any weird behavior.
- Week 2: Increased the levetiracetam XR dose slightly, and further decreased the phenobarbital. Still no seizures, thankfully! Buster was starting to seem a bit more alert, too.
- Week 3-4: Continued with the gradual adjustments until the phenobarbital was completely out of his system, and the levetiracetam became his seizure medcine. It was a nerve-wracking couple of weeks, but we got through it.
The Results
It's been about six months now since Buster's been solely on levetiracetam XR, and the difference is amazing. He's had only a small seizure since the switch, which is a huge improvement. But more importantly, he's himself again. He's playful, energetic, and just…happy. It's like I got my old dog back.
The extended-release formula is also a godsend. I only have to give him pills twice a day, which is way easier than the three-times-a-day schedule with the phenobarbital. Less stress for both of us!
I'm not saying levetiracetam XR is a miracle cure for every dog with seizures. Every dog is different, and what works for one might not work for another. But for Buster, it's been a life-changer. If your dog is struggling with seizures, and especially if they're having side effects from other medications, I'd definitely recommend talking to your vet about levetiracetam XR. It might just be the answer you're looking for.
I recorded every change in Buster's mood, and there was a significant improvement. I'm glad I found the best option!
