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Things I Don't Understand
Sun, 11/23/2014 - 23:14I had a stroke 2 about years ago. I have been having seizures since then. I am on Keppra 500mg 2X day. How to I figure out which of my symptoms are being caused by the Keppra and which are because of the stroke? For example, I have seen that the Keppra can sometimes cause seizures? Is the depression I feel because of the Keppra or the stroke? The seizures I get are simple partial seizures and only involve my speaking, thinking and balance. I have had their effects last for a week or more. (I can keep doing the things I am doing even what I am having a seizure.) I really have a hard time making decisions and knowing what to do. Are my seizures likely to become worse over time? Am I likely to need more medicine over time? Has anyone experience these things? I would really appreciate some knowledge.
Bob
Welcome BobA medication
Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 2014-11-24 - 10:23
Welcome BobA medication created to stop seizures can also cause them. Just like a medication created to slow a hearts BPM (beats per mnute) can increase it or decrease it depending in th direction teh doc wants it to go. I have a-fib so I do know the pulse rate can fluctuate so I take a med for that which is to keep the rate ar certain levels. Yes keppra can cause seizures but it was designed to stop them. You did not tell us when you started having seizures nor did you tell us how long you have been on keppra. By not knowing that it is hard to tell if your issue could be a side efect. IF your medications haven't been increased or decreased that to could be what is needed. The partial seizures I have now are seconds long. So I do know that keppra is one of the best medications I have ever taken in the 50+ years I have been living and dealing with epilepsy. I am aware of my seizure and can work during them. I also know that once the seizure is over I am back to normal. You may need your dosages changed one way or the other. Too much medication is just as bad as not enough. If I were you I would be calling Doc and asking questions. Is the keppra working like it is supposed to? Do we meed to raise or lower the dosages? Is there a medicine that can be coupled with the keppra that can get the after effects back quicker? I was having a few more seizures and by adding vimpat those seizures have stopped and I get back to normal faster. Many of these questions can be answered over the phone as long as yo uhave a good relationship with your doctor. I hope this helps and yo uget things back to normalJoe