Levetiracetam  (Keppra) for the Treatment of Trigeminal Neuralgia

Reference:  Epilepsia, Vol. 45, Suppl. 7, 2004

Conclusion:  Keppra (levetiracetam) appears effective in treating the neuropathic pain associated with TN.

Comment:  This is a small study with only 9 patients. Keppra (levetiracetam) is a new antiepileptic drug only approved in the United States for the treatment of seizures. All the patients had some measure of pain relief. Keppra may prove to be unique in that it seems to have the ability for rapid and total pain relief since high doses have less side effects than other drugs of the same class.

Updated 3-18-05