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Switching to Keppra - your experiences??

Thu, 09/05/2013 - 19:48
Hello fellow Epi's ..... I'm here seeking stories, experiences, and advice. When I was 16 I started getting myoclonic jerks. This brought me to the Doc, and I was diagnosed with epilepsy. I'm on 1000mg Depakote p/day & Tranxene too (take as needed). These have been kinda working for me, however, I'm turning 27 this month... After being on Tranxene for the past 10 years I've built up quite a tolerance. 1-2 used to do the trick (stop myoclonic sensations and generalized seizures) , now, I'm up to 8-10 a day!!! and suffering more than ever! Recently, I had 3 seizures pretty close together... in fact, one was only yesterday. I'm also constantly tired and I have been suffering problems in keeping erections. I've decided it's time for a change - I'm looking into Keppra , and I was wondering if you guy's could help me with any advice, stories, experiences, etc.... Thanks in advance!! - E.T. "When going through hell.... Keep on going!!" - Winston Churchill

Comments

Re: Switching to Keppra - your experiences??

Submitted by just_joe on Thu, 2013-09-05 - 22:18

evening ET

I see you said something brought you to the DOC.

Ok you have had seizures for 10-11 years. It sounds like your medications have not been working like they used to. That is a normal thing. That isn't an issue.

What I see is YOU have DECIDED it is time for a change....  SO you look up Keppra and want information from people on here who have taken it. What will you do if you get that information? Will you be writing the RX for the amount you want? Or will you be telling your neurologist you want this medication without knowing whether you can take it or not. Do you even know the types of seizures Keppra is used on?

I would have you ask your neurologist if he thinks there might be a different medication you can try which might have fewer side effects because the ones you are on do slow your body down and they do at times keep some people from having an erection.

Please check with your neuro first and get his thoughts. The medications you have named are but a few of the many medications out there that are AEDs. Depakote was released for use in the States in the early 1980's. I also know that hte FDA wanted another 7 years of research before they would release it, I know there were congressmen going out of the country and bringing it in for their kids. I sent the informaiton to my congressman. Who read my letter and additional information in the floor and in less than a week Depakote was released for sale. I also know it didn' work for me but I wanted it out because I knew it would help someone.

As for Keppra it is a good medication and it has helped my seizure count go down it does have it side effects as do all medications including asperin.

evening ET

I see you said something brought you to the DOC.

Ok you have had seizures for 10-11 years. It sounds like your medications have not been working like they used to. That is a normal thing. That isn't an issue.

What I see is YOU have DECIDED it is time for a change....  SO you look up Keppra and want information from people on here who have taken it. What will you do if you get that information? Will you be writing the RX for the amount you want? Or will you be telling your neurologist you want this medication without knowing whether you can take it or not. Do you even know the types of seizures Keppra is used on?

I would have you ask your neurologist if he thinks there might be a different medication you can try which might have fewer side effects because the ones you are on do slow your body down and they do at times keep some people from having an erection.

Please check with your neuro first and get his thoughts. The medications you have named are but a few of the many medications out there that are AEDs. Depakote was released for use in the States in the early 1980's. I also know that hte FDA wanted another 7 years of research before they would release it, I know there were congressmen going out of the country and bringing it in for their kids. I sent the informaiton to my congressman. Who read my letter and additional information in the floor and in less than a week Depakote was released for sale. I also know it didn' work for me but I wanted it out because I knew it would help someone.

As for Keppra it is a good medication and it has helped my seizure count go down it does have it side effects as do all medications including asperin.

Re: Switching to Keppra - your experiences??

Submitted by ksolman on Thu, 2013-09-05 - 22:48
I was on lamictal then added in keppra. For me it didn't work very well and my seizures didn't improve, but not everyone is the same so it may work for you. If you do decide to be on keppra I would recommend taking a vitamin B supplement with it because keppra can cause irritability and the vitamin B actually helps that. If you need a change, then I would strongly recommend cannabis (medical marijuana). I have had epilepsy for 10 years and been on so many different types of medications, but cannabis has helped me the most. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dy_OfmEXTm4

Re: Switching to Keppra - your experiences??

Submitted by mereloaded on Fri, 2013-09-06 - 09:20
My son is on keppra. The neuro tells me that is the best drug for epilepsy for those that can tolerate it. He was on 750 x2 it was to high, made him moody, cranky, over argumentative, fidgety. Lowered to 500 mg x2 and he himself, no reoccurrences, no side effects. I am pleased with the results. Best wishes

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