Community Forum Archive

The Epilepsy Community Forums are closed, and the information is archived. The content in this section may not be current or apply to all situations. In addition, forum questions and responses include information and content that has been generated by epilepsy community members. This content is not moderated. The information on these pages should not be substituted for medical advice from a healthcare provider. Experiences with epilepsy can vary greatly on an individual basis. Please contact your doctor or medical team if you have any questions about your situation. For more information, learn about epilepsy or visit our resources section.

is there really such a thing as keppra blood level test?

Thu, 11/06/2008 - 11:49

Is there such a blood test to monitor keppra? the neuroligist office called back and told me my keppra level was in range at 8.4 (3.1 to 10), i have not heard of a blood test level for keppra, i would appreciate anyones knowledge on this...

 

Comments

Re: is there really such a thing as keppra blood level test?

Submitted by tonialpha on Thu, 2008-11-06 - 18:10
I was 20 points above normal. I am an adult   The blood level indicated 53. I was have flurry seizures.  I had trouble w/ my gait. I was sleepy too.  My muscles were to sore and I had a lot of diarhea.  When my doctor noted that he is in the process of lowering my medication now. He wanted me in the hospital but there was no room and I have family that can keep an eye on me if things go bad.

Re: is there really such a thing as keppra blood level test?

Submitted by dizzygal on Thu, 2008-11-06 - 18:46
I dont know about this just yet, I have only been on keppra for five days now, after taking tegretol for 25 years, I was always given a blood tegretol level test once a year.  So when I go back for my check up I'll ask my doc.  I can't imagine them not doing it. Its so important.

Re: is there really such a thing as keppra blood level test?

Submitted by lsdor81 on Sat, 2008-12-06 - 07:39

Hi there,

There isn't really a blood test as such for Keppra because although it is long acting, it has a short half-life, so to get accurate readings is not possible.  Also, because it has only a few metabolites (ie tracers) and is not metabolised by the liver, it is unlikely that any serum levels would convey an accurate level of keppra.

 

hope this helps

Hi there,

There isn't really a blood test as such for Keppra because although it is long acting, it has a short half-life, so to get accurate readings is not possible.  Also, because it has only a few metabolites (ie tracers) and is not metabolised by the liver, it is unlikely that any serum levels would convey an accurate level of keppra.

 

hope this helps

Sign Up for Emails

Stay up to date with the latest epilepsy news, stories from the community, and more.