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keppra withdrawal

Sun, 04/30/2006 - 08:48
Hi I am in the process of withdrawing keppra and nothing to introduce. I am just curious if there is anyone on this site who has already done been through it and what sort of side effects did they have during the process? All advice welcomed and thanks in advance. Teri

Comments

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: keppra withdrawal

Submitted by George R on Thu, 2006-06-08 - 06:26
George - NYC Teri--How long had you been on Keppra before you got "approval" to start reducing your daily intake? I've been taking it for almost six years, and until two weeks ago, my daily intake was 3000mg (like yours, I believe). While it sure helped the frequency and intensity of my seizures, it does have side effects. Temper outbursts, 'round-the-clock sleepiness, headaches are three of them. So rather than make my own decision about reducing my amount, I wrote to my doctor and suggested we try it with one fewer 750mg tablet per day. I had been taking four. That's a high amount, and pretty near what even the manufacturer recommends as top. So I'm now down to 2250mg per day. Along with Keppra, I take Depakote ER (1000mg per day). So far, only a minor aura. But for me, that's normal. Over how long a period did you get down to the amount you're now on? Did they present to you the dangers of coming off it completely. Do tell us more. Good luck!

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: keppra withdrawal

Submitted by pinkangel_82 on Thu, 2006-06-08 - 11:36
Hi George Thanks for your email. I was on keppra for just over 4 years. It took a while to get my doctor's approval. You know yourself the side effects of keppra, but the side effects are different to all depending upon each persons own body chemistry. I wasn't told of any dangers which could occur and of course we are not told as everyone reacts differently to any AED whether introducing/withdrawing or just staying on it. but luckily I have a first-class doctor who checks on my health very regularly and I have an Epilepsy Nurse who I can contact anytime. What puzzles me if keppra is helping the frequency and intensity of your seizures then why are you reducing it? Good Luck with reducing your keppra. Take Care Teri

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: keppra withdrawal

Submitted by tslate on Wed, 2006-09-06 - 11:58
pink how many seizures did you have before getting on keppra? My son has had 1 seizure only a year ago and has been on Keppra 1000mg aday since then. I want to start reducing his amount to perhaps 500mg a day for a few months and if no seizures reduce it even further. Your thoughts?

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