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.

keppra and psychotic behavior

Tue, 09/09/2008 - 12:36
my daughter is 11 and just started having grand mal seizures in may 08. in june she was put on keppra 500mg twice a day. a couple weeks ago she started having  what looked like focal seizures. but the drs say its not a seizure. they think its behavioral or maybe even hallucinations. if anyone has had this happen to them please help me. i and the neurologists have taken her off but im worried that the keppra may have caused permenant damage. she also had trouble walking and needed a wheelchair to get around as i cannot carry a 106lb child!

Comments

Re: keppra and psychotic behavior

Submitted by Auntie C on Wed, 2013-11-13 - 18:22
My nephew is 19 yrs. of age and has down' syndrome.  He recently began having seizures, and as treatment his neurologist prescribed Keppra.  Within the span of one month's time, he began having extreme psychotic breaks.  Since then, the psychosis has increased in frequency and intensity, so his neurologist has stepped him off of the Keppra.  He is now about two weeks out from the complete removal of the Keppra from his treatment, but it seems as though this horrific drug has already taken it's awful toll.  A recent MRI now shows evidence of schizophrenia.  Before all this began, he was the most mild-tempered, sweet and gentle soul!  I've found through research that this is a drug that should never have been prescribed to him due to his developmental disabilities.... as he is completely incapable of communicating the horror he is experiencing in his mind.  We need help!!  As of today, he has been removed from his home, as he poses a danger to himself and his parents.  Is there any way to reverse the damage?.... Maybe through detoxification of the liver and/or the monitored use of B vitamins to replace those 'dumped' by the brain as a result of Keppra use.  I feel desperate!

Re: keppra and psychotic behavior

Submitted by maBenzi on Tue, 2010-03-09 - 01:24

Hi

She needs girlfriends her own age at school in class. Boys at 11 years are not going to include her in their games or friendship circle.  Moving is very stressful to any child.  As an adult epileptic I need a calm, stable  environment and a few good friends.  The illnesses in your family may be upsetting her. Also, she needs you more than any one else does.  You are right, she has to open up to you so you can help her. Find a school with empathetic teachers and more girls.

That said, I went completely nuts on keppra. I can't imagine what a child must be feeling when all those crazy thoughts arise. I had the sense to realise it was the drug. She may not.

Hi

She needs girlfriends her own age at school in class. Boys at 11 years are not going to include her in their games or friendship circle.  Moving is very stressful to any child.  As an adult epileptic I need a calm, stable  environment and a few good friends.  The illnesses in your family may be upsetting her. Also, she needs you more than any one else does.  You are right, she has to open up to you so you can help her. Find a school with empathetic teachers and more girls.

That said, I went completely nuts on keppra. I can't imagine what a child must be feeling when all those crazy thoughts arise. I had the sense to realise it was the drug. She may not.

Re: keppra and psychotic behavior

Submitted by videochick on Sat, 2008-12-13 - 23:44

Hi. I just wanted to mention that in the November/December 2008 issue of "Neurology Now" talks about these types of seizures.  They are called PNES. 

I just did a search and the November/December 2008 issue does not seem to be available online yet.

It states PNES are very real seizures, and it says that psychotherapy treatment is more beneficial than going to a psychiatrist.

---

Hi. I just wanted to mention that in the November/December 2008 issue of "Neurology Now" talks about these types of seizures.  They are called PNES. 

I just did a search and the November/December 2008 issue does not seem to be available online yet.

It states PNES are very real seizures, and it says that psychotherapy treatment is more beneficial than going to a psychiatrist.

---

Sign Up for Emails

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