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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 Andy212 on Tue, 2008-09-30 - 15:51

well i hope that you can get help 4 that and good luck

 

andy212

well i hope that you can get help 4 that and good luck

 

andy212

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

Submitted by Agill on Sat, 2008-11-15 - 19:34
I have been on Keppra for about 9 months now.  It took me a good 2 months to get adjusted to the meds. I was very weak, tired, had no balance and dizzy.  After that 2 month period I was feeling GREAT! I even starting losing weight, which was an added bonus. I lost most of my hair from my previous meds and that even came back! I was in love Keppra.  However, the past month or so I have been anxious and depressed. I'm still in the process of figuring out if the depression is due to my meds or my work life.  Generally I still really like Keppra, but you just never know how you'll react to the meds, even once you've been on them for a while. Good luck!

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

Submitted by cb_33 on Thu, 2008-11-27 - 03:39
I've been on keppra for 20 months now and the side effects are awful.  The medication, I find, is very hard on the body.  When they first put me on it, I'd have to say it took over 6 months just to adjust to the dosage they had me on.  In August, they increased my dosage and I've been having troubles ever since.  Currently, I'm trying to get into see a specialist because I want off the medication.  The last neurologist I saw was only concerned with the effectiveness of the keppra.  Since I haven't had a seizure since June he saw no reason to do anything.  However, it's harder to live with the side effects than it is the seizures.  Of course, everyone is different.  I wish you all the best...

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