Rhabdomyolysis is the breakdown of muscle cells secondary to both traumatic and non-traumatic causes. The lysing of the muscle cells can lead to the release of cell contents that can lead to acute injury and other life-threatening conditions. Levetiracetam is an anticonvulsant commonly used in generalized and partial tonic-clonic seizures. Well-known side effects include agitation, depression, anxiety, irritability, rash, and somnolence; however, there are an increasing number of case reports that report rhabdomyolysis secondary to antiepileptic use. We present a case of a 27-year-old male with new-onset seizures who was started on levetiracetam therapy and found to have elevated creatine kinase (CK), which decreased only with tapering of the drug. Our case displays the importance of considering levetiracetam as a cause of rhabdomyolysis, supporting this rare side effect of the antiseizure medication. Rhabdomyolysis is a potentially life-threatening condition that can lead to irreversible renal damage if not managed properly.
Keywords: antiepileptic drug; creatine kinase; levetiracetam side effect; rhabdomyolysis; seizure.
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