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Issues with Keppra
Wed, 08/10/2016 - 10:18Hello everyone
Ive been diagnosed with epilepsy ever since a few months before my 18th birthday however we are sure ive suffered with epilepsy ever since adolescence. I've always suffered with Tonic Clonic seizures for which i get no warning. Medication wise I first got started on Epillim (I cant remember the dosage) then after having rapid weight gain as a side effect (In hindsight im debating if the side effect was due to the medication or due to my lifestyle changes) i requested to be switched onto a different medication, this was around about early 2009 and ever since then ive been on a daily dose of 2000mg keppra (1000mg 2x a day). Now ive always just cracked on with life in general.
Recently ive found my memory is, well, to put it bluntly absolutely shocking, my short term memory i mean, i think its always been like this but in recent months it has been highlighted to me that my memory is worse, something which has been a cause of arguments in my new relationship because il forget something which my girlfriend text me literally a matter of hours ago. Last night it caused a massive argument in which i in the end broke down and started crying like you wouldnt believe, i genuinely cant help the memory issues but as you can imagine it is very frustrating to my mrs and myself also.
Another issue ive found with the keppra is my mood is so up and down its honestly ridiculous, one week il be happy as larry the next week il feel so absolutely down in the dumps for absolutely no reason whatsoever.
Im going to ask to be referred back to my GP to discuss a change in medication but im just wondering what other peoples experiences are with this? it feels like at times im ruining a relationship with a girl im madly in love with all because of the side effects of these bloody meds. its really starting to get me down at times and im so scared of forgetting something that im just living on edge.
Anyway if anyone knows any tips or tricks to help with the memory in the time being please do share.
OK AlexWeight gain is a side
Submitted by just_joe on Wed, 2016-08-10 - 14:11
OK AlexWeight gain is a side effect with many medications. I know I was on one of them. The problem with some was the weight gain was because it made you retain water. Been there done that. I gained about 50-60 lbs in about 2 months. When I was switched I lost some of it but never lost it all.Medications do have side effects which generally go away after 3 weeks and your body gets used to the medication. However if you are still having issues like you are with mood swings then you are one of the 5-8% of the people that do have them. You need to discuss your issue with your neurologist. I say that because if you went to the medication section in the forum you would see people that did have issues. Some renamed keppra to kepRAGE.If you really want this young lady then call your neurologist and discuss this issue with them.For meny people me being one keppra have been one of the best medications I have used. Was it your GP or a neurologist that prescribes keppra? Neurologist especially one that specializes in epilepsy will know about the newer medications with fewer side effects so if it is your GP have him/her talk to a specialist and get one of the newer medications.I hope this helps and you get the love of your lifeJoe