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.
Does ANYONE like being on Keppra?
Thu, 09/14/2006 - 16:02Comments
Also sleep is tough to come
Submitted by SantinoV on Fri, 2019-03-01 - 04:10
Re: Does ANYONE like being on Keppra?
Submitted by jholley on Sat, 2008-11-29 - 10:15
Compared to that Tegretol I was on for over 24 years I love this Keppra. I started taking Keppra in late August and slowly tapered off the Tegretol. Being on Tegretol for over half my life I tapered off it twice as slow as my doctor recommended. My seizures were under control with Tegretol so I was worried about having seizures again when I stopped the Tegretol. I had to come off Tegretol because it gave me low bone density. Like the other old AEDs it blocks the absorbtion of calcium. It also made my blood count lower than normal. Being off Tegretol for the last 4 weeks my blood count is now normal. My metabolism and energy level have increased with this higher blood count. I ran a 5K race Thanksgiving morning in 19:04. The fastest 5K I ran while on Tegretol was 22:41.
Slight drowsiness was the only side effect I got when I first started Keppra. Now that I've adapted to taking 1500mg of Keppra per day, and that I'm off Tegretol, I no longer feel drowsy.
I am very grateful I haven't had a seizure yet while taking Keppra alone.
Drugs work differently for everyone so keep trying other AEDs if Keppra gives you too many side effects.
Compared to that Tegretol I was on for over 24 years I love this Keppra. I started taking Keppra in late August and slowly tapered off the Tegretol. Being on Tegretol for over half my life I tapered off it twice as slow as my doctor recommended. My seizures were under control with Tegretol so I was worried about having seizures again when I stopped the Tegretol. I had to come off Tegretol because it gave me low bone density. Like the other old AEDs it blocks the absorbtion of calcium. It also made my blood count lower than normal. Being off Tegretol for the last 4 weeks my blood count is now normal. My metabolism and energy level have increased with this higher blood count. I ran a 5K race Thanksgiving morning in 19:04. The fastest 5K I ran while on Tegretol was 22:41.
Slight drowsiness was the only side effect I got when I first started Keppra. Now that I've adapted to taking 1500mg of Keppra per day, and that I'm off Tegretol, I no longer feel drowsy.
I am very grateful I haven't had a seizure yet while taking Keppra alone.
Drugs work differently for everyone so keep trying other AEDs if Keppra gives you too many side effects.
5/7/18 To Mary Skolnik: You
Submitted by lauramilagros5472 on Mon, 2018-05-07 - 22:59
5/7/18 To Mary Skolnik: You can check with the actual PDR for very detailed info on Keppra. It shows its chemical compound, whats in it, etc. Also, with each refill, by law (in CA anyway) your pharmacy SHOULD give you an insert ... which contains the EXACT info/wording that is found in the PDR. Also, it is both the JOB/DUTY of your neuro AND your PharmD to TAKE THE TIME & answer any & all questions u have about Keppra or ANY med u are on! Period. Dont let them slack!! U can even call the drug manufacturer - generic or the original brand distributor - & talk to someone there. If u dont like Keppra ... tell your neuro. There are several anti-convulsants to choose from, but if Keppra keeps u seizure-free, why rock the boat? I believe anti-convulsants work similar to the 4-5 catagories of psychotropic drugs in that they "mess with"/alter the 3 primary neurotransmitters in the brain. Unfortunately, these tend to make many pts feel "wonky." But ... one must weigh the side effects with the benefits. Wish there were better options. (Im an RN, BS ... I dont have a seizure disorder, thank God, but I do have 11 other diseases - all untreatable - & 4 of which are auto-immune. U have no idea what tired/exhausted/fatigued is until u have just ONE AI disease. :-( Those 11 diseases are my cross to bear.)