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.

Anyone on Lamictal AND Keppra?

Thu, 11/20/2008 - 10:50

Just come back from seeing my doctor (not 100% happy with how the appointment went, and was basically told despite my last EEG being 13 years ago, which they have lost the results to, it's gonna be hard to get me another one because of restrictions put on referals due to funding! I'm in the UK, incidentally), and I have been put on Keppra as well as my current med, Lamictal.

I'm on 150mg Lamictal in the morning, and 100mg at night. And we're starting off the dose of Keppra slowly, obviously.

 

So...my question is to anyone taking both - how do you find it? What about side effects? Lamictal, for me, contrarily, has increased my appetite, and I'm deathly scared of Keppra adding to this.

 

Any input would be fab. Thanks guys!

Comments

Re: Anyone on Lamictal AND Keppra?

Submitted by MelodyF on Sat, 2012-05-05 - 07:36

Hiya,

I was taking both medications last year for a short time of period (changing to keppra) but was an absolute mess for about three months. I suffered from depression and anxiety and loss in appetite (I had lost 9pounds in three months). I'm now taking Keppra x2 500mg a day. Once I stopped taking lamictal I felt much better for a while but it seems to me that the depression is returning. 

The reason I changed from lamictal to keppra is due to lamictal not helping, at all. My fits became much worse. I had up to four absences a month, sometimes more, and then decided to go back to see a neurologist. I was fit free for some time (years) but suddenly it started worsen.

I will go back to my neurologist to discuss more...

MelodyF

 

Hiya,

I was taking both medications last year for a short time of period (changing to keppra) but was an absolute mess for about three months. I suffered from depression and anxiety and loss in appetite (I had lost 9pounds in three months). I'm now taking Keppra x2 500mg a day. Once I stopped taking lamictal I felt much better for a while but it seems to me that the depression is returning. 

The reason I changed from lamictal to keppra is due to lamictal not helping, at all. My fits became much worse. I had up to four absences a month, sometimes more, and then decided to go back to see a neurologist. I was fit free for some time (years) but suddenly it started worsen.

I will go back to my neurologist to discuss more...

MelodyF

 

Re: Anyone on Lamictal AND Keppra?

Submitted by Robina3 on Thu, 2012-05-24 - 05:14

 

 

I am 64, female, married, no children.  My epilepsy started almost from birth - I've been on a lot of different drugs.  I have been taking Lamictal and Keppra twice daily for over three years.  My seizures are well controlled, only night-time ones about every two months, and day time absences almost every day.  I can cope with the absences - they only last a moment, breaking my concentration but not affecting motor skills.  The only real problem I have noticed is my memory - it has been badly affected. My long term memory isn't too bad - I can remember all the names of my schoolfriends and teachers from 50 years ago ! - but mid term memories have largely  disappeared.  This is sad and frustrating for me and other people, as they have to keep reminding me of events that are important to both  of us.  My husband is very understanding, but it can't be easy.

Making lists and lists of lists is the only way to get round this.  Names are a real problem too, unless I see someone regularly - repetition, I suppose.  Memory loss is a sign of aging, I know, but I don't really feel that old yet.  If anyone out there has memory issues, let me know.

Best wishes

Robina3

 

 

 

 

 

I am 64, female, married, no children.  My epilepsy started almost from birth - I've been on a lot of different drugs.  I have been taking Lamictal and Keppra twice daily for over three years.  My seizures are well controlled, only night-time ones about every two months, and day time absences almost every day.  I can cope with the absences - they only last a moment, breaking my concentration but not affecting motor skills.  The only real problem I have noticed is my memory - it has been badly affected. My long term memory isn't too bad - I can remember all the names of my schoolfriends and teachers from 50 years ago ! - but mid term memories have largely  disappeared.  This is sad and frustrating for me and other people, as they have to keep reminding me of events that are important to both  of us.  My husband is very understanding, but it can't be easy.

Making lists and lists of lists is the only way to get round this.  Names are a real problem too, unless I see someone regularly - repetition, I suppose.  Memory loss is a sign of aging, I know, but I don't really feel that old yet.  If anyone out there has memory issues, let me know.

Best wishes

Robina3

 

 

 

Re: Anyone on Lamictal AND Keppra?

Submitted by teresa2step on Mon, 2013-09-23 - 00:16

Hi Robina3,

  I have the same problem with memory. I'm 66. It was a problem growing up when I didn't know what I had. I had a hard time in school, but managed to get through. I picked Art and Art Education, where I would be with children. I had a complex then and even now to a degree. Like a lot of things, we learn to cope. We pick what we are best at and move on..and laugh. Wishing you the best, Teresa

Hi Robina3,

  I have the same problem with memory. I'm 66. It was a problem growing up when I didn't know what I had. I had a hard time in school, but managed to get through. I picked Art and Art Education, where I would be with children. I had a complex then and even now to a degree. Like a lot of things, we learn to cope. We pick what we are best at and move on..and laugh. Wishing you the best, Teresa

Sign Up for Emails

Stay up to date with the latest epilepsy news, stories from the community, and more.