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How Long to Feel the Side Effects of Keppra?

Thu, 07/24/2008 - 07:57
I have been on Keppra 48 hours and I was wondering how long it takes to feel the side effects? I have felt the drowsiness within hours of the first dose. I know the first month is supposed to be the worst. Can anyone tell me when I will feel the side effects at their worst? I have been on Dilantin and know what an idot I became on that drug. Since I have a technical job, I need my brain to function! It seems there are very few "success" stories related to Keppra, as everyone is talking about the side effects. Or perhaps that is simply the nature of fourms and drug reviews - you tend to have users with negative reviews more likely to post than users with little side effects. I am definitely worried about the mood swings and increased depression typically associated with Keppra, so I am hoping it will not hit me hard. I have never had a weight problem, so I am hoping Keppra will not affect me in that way either. I technically do not have epilepsy since I have only had one seizure. Any feedback is greatly appreciated. This is my first post! Don't mind my username - it is a guy from a Three Stooges episode ("Jip The People").

Comments

Re: How Long to Feel the Side Effects of Keppra?

Submitted by 1Mystery on Thu, 2008-07-24 - 15:35

I just started on Keppra about 3 1/2 weeks ago and it sux!   The mood swings and depression come and go.  I have not had a problem with weight gain... I am overweight and have been all my life.....   but I am actually noticing that I have lost my appetite.  Someone actually asked me the other day if I have been losing :-)    But the "don't care about anything" attitude and gumpyness has got to go.   And to top it off, I am still having seizures also.   I take Klonopin also at night and that seemed to make it worse.  I am waiting to hear back from my Dr. about switching or adding something else.  From what I have read, seems most people need the "right" combination of meds to make it work.  Good luck! 

I just started on Keppra about 3 1/2 weeks ago and it sux!   The mood swings and depression come and go.  I have not had a problem with weight gain... I am overweight and have been all my life.....   but I am actually noticing that I have lost my appetite.  Someone actually asked me the other day if I have been losing :-)    But the "don't care about anything" attitude and gumpyness has got to go.   And to top it off, I am still having seizures also.   I take Klonopin also at night and that seemed to make it worse.  I am waiting to hear back from my Dr. about switching or adding something else.  From what I have read, seems most people need the "right" combination of meds to make it work.  Good luck! 

Re: How Long to Feel the Side Effects of Keppra?

Submitted by catsamu on Thu, 2008-07-24 - 16:12

I've been on Keppra for 16 months.  The only time I ever felt a side-effect was once after a dose increase.  I had a major ridiculous meltdown one time only.  I've never gained any weight from Keppra, never felt drowsy, and except for that one time, never had any mood swings.  It does just what it's supposed to do.  As a matter of fact, one of my biggest seizure symptoms was feeling like I was falling asleep, and since I've been on Keppra, I've never felt more awake during the day!  I take 1000mg in the morning and 1000mg at night.

It's been a very successful med for me, so no negative review here...

Deb

I've been on Keppra for 16 months.  The only time I ever felt a side-effect was once after a dose increase.  I had a major ridiculous meltdown one time only.  I've never gained any weight from Keppra, never felt drowsy, and except for that one time, never had any mood swings.  It does just what it's supposed to do.  As a matter of fact, one of my biggest seizure symptoms was feeling like I was falling asleep, and since I've been on Keppra, I've never felt more awake during the day!  I take 1000mg in the morning and 1000mg at night.

It's been a very successful med for me, so no negative review here...

Deb

Re: How Long to Feel the Side Effects of Keppra?

Submitted by Andy212 on Tue, 2008-09-30 - 15:54

hi i hope that you can get over with what you got and i hope that u got HELP!!!!! but good luck DEB

andy212

hi i hope that you can get over with what you got and i hope that u got HELP!!!!! but good luck DEB

andy212

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