*Welcome to the OutUK series looking at gay men and their health brought to you in association with the NHS* website.**
	Each week we'll tackle a different topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We'll have features and advice on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. You can follow any of links provided below for more information direct from the NHS website, or see this week's feature L: Laxatives.

Taking Levetiracetam With Other Medicines And Herbal Supplements

NHS medicines information on possible interactions with levetiracetam and other medicines, herbal remedies and supplements.

Cautions with other medicines

Some medicines can affect the way that levetiracetam works, and increase your chance of side effects.

Your doctor may need to change your dose of levetiracetam if you're taking any of these:

macrogol, a laxative
other epilepsy medicines, such as carbamazepine, lamotrigine, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital or phenytoin
methotrexate, a medicine that can be used to treat arthritis and other conditions

Mixing levetiracetam with herbal remedies and supplements

There might be a problem taking some herbal remedies and supplements alongside levetiracetam, especially ones that make you feel sleepy or dizzy. Ask your pharmacist for advice.

Some people take vitamin B6 (also known as pyridoxine) alongside levetiracetam to reduce the chances of mood changes. A few studies have reported that it might be helpful, but we do not have enough information to be sure.

If you want to take any vitamins alongside your prescribed medicines, it's important to speak to your pharmacist or doctor, who can advise what you can take.

There's not enough information to say that other complementary medicines and herbal remedies are safe to take with levetiracetam. They're not tested in the same way as pharmacy and prescription medicines. They're generally not tested for the effect they have on other medicines.

OutUK's A to Z of Gay Health continues and you can read this week's feature L: Laxatives. We have covered many subjects in this series and you can catch up with all of our Previous A to Z Features. If you want to find out more about this particular topic you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.
Photos: LightFieldStudios and one of VladOrlov, Stockcube, darak77, ajr_images or rawpixel.com.