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Keppra and depression

Wed, 06/10/2009 - 15:08

This topic may already be addressed on this site. If it is, I apologize.  I'm new to epilepsy.com, and have a quick question regarding keppra and antidepressants.

I'm a 23 year old female and have been medicated for epilepsy for about 5 years.  I've been taking keppra for about 2 1/2 years and it has worked wonders for me.  I suffered from nocturnal grand mal seizures and have only had 2 since I began taking keppra.  Since taking keppra I have felt emotionally stunted. Life is bland, and I have no motivation to do or accomplish much of anything.  The longer I'm on the drug, the more I realize that I'm truly missing out on being my "old" self.  I don't want to stop taking keppra because it really has controlled my seizures.  I talked to my neuro about the depression and she offered to refer me to someone for depression/medication/etc. I'm wondering if anyone who takes keppra is also on an antidepressant?  Which one? Has it helped? Etc.  Thanks so much. 

-jenny

Comments

Re: Keppra and depression

Submitted by livvyloo on Sat, 2013-10-12 - 17:53
I'm only 17 years old and i feel the same way you do. I don't know how to handle this anymore, its so hard to cope.

Re: Keppra and depression

Submitted by tmr1028 on Fri, 2009-11-20 - 19:34

I'm in the same boat. I'm taking Keppra XR and have noticed lack of motivation and mood swings. I've always been a patient person, but lately have been annoyed so easily by little things. Plus, I get depressed over little and big things. Never know if the depression is from the Keppra or Epilepsy itself...

Best of luck to everyone experiencing these same symptoms.

I'm in the same boat. I'm taking Keppra XR and have noticed lack of motivation and mood swings. I've always been a patient person, but lately have been annoyed so easily by little things. Plus, I get depressed over little and big things. Never know if the depression is from the Keppra or Epilepsy itself...

Best of luck to everyone experiencing these same symptoms.

Re: Keppra and depression

Submitted by Lily04 on Mon, 2011-06-20 - 13:42
I am writing about my 91 year old mom. She had seizures, been on all the different meds for it, her dr says Keppra is the only thing that she can take. For the past year, she has been on Keppra and no seizures, but also no joy for life as before, no motivation to do anything or go any where. Dr is against antidepressants. Mom is also very anxious and nervous. I do not live close to her but visit often. I want to do whatever I can to help her. I do not know what that is. I read thru all the emails and I am so sorry for those of you experiencing these same symptoms. You have at least given me knowledge that it is the Keppra that is helping her but also making her life not worth living. Any suggestions are appreciated.

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