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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 jderry on Thu, 2008-07-24 - 11:52
the stuff made me so miserable that i got off of it.About 30% have that problem.

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

Submitted by rigst on Tue, 2008-09-09 - 21:57
I have been on Keppra for a little over two years.  I also take Lamictal and Dilantin.  I have been seizure free for two yrs now.  I believe Keppra and prayer has been a big part of that.  I still have side effect, such as wt loss, getting really tired, and extremely angry.  The mood changes have caused a lot of problems at work.  I'm afraid I will get fired.  I have went to sleep behind the stirring wheel of my car twice in the past, both times I took the entire side out.  I am extremely lucky to be alive.  I have had over 30 Grand Mal seizures in the past.  Does anyone know what that does to your brain?  I have a lot of problems remembering things, especially short term memory.  I sometimes can't remember how to spell really easy words.  I will go to get something and not remember what I went to get.  This happens daily.  Don't mean to sound negative, just venting.  I had a really bad day at work.  I lost my temper again and went off on someone.  That has happened so much I can't count.  I'm really afraid of losing my job.  The people at work don't know my condition and I want to keep it that way.  In my past job I was discriminated against because they all knew my past.

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

Submitted by Sydney36 on Sun, 2008-11-09 - 22:44

I understand your worries about losing your job..

The only way I can even contemplate to make money is by the fact that I have my own business and can be flexible.. but now that is even being stretched..

Just starting Keppra this week... and it's really freaking me out... It's like being asleep and awake at the same time..

But, my neurologist believes that the side effect profile is much better than the dilantin that I already take (which BTW they only added to my regime because it was the only one available at the time in intravenious form) (Already taking Tegretol CR and Topamax).

I guess it can't be much worse than the Dilantin.. which is inherantly long term toxic, and the weekly blood tests and my memory and short term word aphasia is crazy.. it's like every day the whole family has to play charades with me for every 15th significant word at it's worst.

 

Sydney36

I understand your worries about losing your job..

The only way I can even contemplate to make money is by the fact that I have my own business and can be flexible.. but now that is even being stretched..

Just starting Keppra this week... and it's really freaking me out... It's like being asleep and awake at the same time..

But, my neurologist believes that the side effect profile is much better than the dilantin that I already take (which BTW they only added to my regime because it was the only one available at the time in intravenious form) (Already taking Tegretol CR and Topamax).

I guess it can't be much worse than the Dilantin.. which is inherantly long term toxic, and the weekly blood tests and my memory and short term word aphasia is crazy.. it's like every day the whole family has to play charades with me for every 15th significant word at it's worst.

 

Sydney36

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