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Did you get worse after starting seizure medicine?

Tue, 08/08/2006 - 19:11
My 8 y.o. daughter was recently diagnosed with epilepsy. She started on medicine 1 1/2 weeks ago. However, her frequency of seizures has greatly increased. Has anyone else experienced this? Lori Mom of 8 y.o.

Comments

Re: Re: Re: Did you get worse after starting seizure medicine?

Submitted by fzMousie on Thu, 2006-08-10 - 07:16
Hi Lori There have been two comments in reply to this on how Keppra is a complementary medication. I just wanted to let you know that I am on Keppra. I take it alone, 500mg twice a day (for now). It makes me tired. My neurologist, as well as all the information I have managed to gather, tells me that it will take up to 4 weeks before the side effects (such as tiredness and grouchiness) begin to dissipate. Be prepared for a lengthy process in figuring out what medication at what doseage is right for your daughter. Encourage your daughter to communicate to the best of her ability if she feels different (either better or worse). To quote my neuro, there is no test to say this is the medication and this is the dose for this person. It is a trial and error process and that is the best we can do. Don't be afraid of your questions. Don't be afraid of noticing that the medication isn't working. The doctors can only know what you tell them. Good luck.

Re: Re: Re: Re: Did you get worse after starting seizure medicin

Submitted by jmccand on Thu, 2006-08-10 - 08:32
Thanks for your reply. We are trying to hang in there with Keppra, I hear the side affects of the other meds can be worse. She in her 8 y.o. description, says she feels "icky and ooky." I thought that was a pretty good description. Thanks, Lori

Re: Did you get worse after starting seizure medicine?

Submitted by solis on Thu, 2006-08-10 - 05:34
Hi Lori, Here is info on Keppra. http://www.epilepsy.com/medications/b_keppra_children.html (It's set to the children's page, but the entire right side on the page shows many pages on Keppra. You'll also discover, as was said, Keppra isn't generally used solo.) I had E since I was 3.. and like you I'm also a mother (albeit my children are considerably older) so, while I likely know what your daughter is experincing, I also can relate to a mother's concern. Since it has been proven she has E, I would highly recommend you have her see an epileptologist = a neurologist that specifically specializes in, and focuses on, Epilepsy. At epilepsy.com, third from the left at the top of the page. you'll see a search page for physicians. All the physicians listed there, from my Canadian city, are epileptologists. Know I wish you & your daughter the very best & hope the info helps ~sol

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