Epleptin is a brand name for levetiracetam, a commonly used anti-epileptic drug for dogs. The most common side effects in dogs are sedation (sleepiness) and clumsy gait (ataxia). Some dogs may also develop behavior changes such as anxiety, depression, attention seeking, aimless behavior, or increased restlessness while taking levetiracetam. Less commonly, dogs might experience vomiting or more persistent gastrointestinal upset[4].
According to veterinary sources, levetiracetam is considered one of the safer anti-seizure medications for dogs and serious side effects are rare. However, you should watch for:
- Sleepiness or drowsiness
- Loss of coordination (ataxia) or wobbliness
- Behavioral changes (including anxiety, depression, or attention-seeking)
- Vomiting
- Any sudden or significant changes in behavior or symptoms
Serious complications are uncommon, but if you notice persistent vomiting or any sudden and severe behavioral changes, notify your veterinarian as soon as possible[4]. Caution is advised when using levetiracetam in dogs with kidney disease, and the medication should not be stopped abruptly to prevent withdrawal seizures[6].
Other side effects seen with general anti-epileptic drugs—including levetiracetam—may sometimes include increased appetite and thirst, drooling, diarrhea, weakness, restlessness, and weight gain, though these are more commonly associated with other anti-epileptic drugs like phenobarbital and potassium bromide[5].
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