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Help W/ Keppra
Tue, 02/06/2007 - 17:40Topic: Medication Issues
I have been on Keppra for over two years now and have had good luck with seizure control. I take it as monotherapy at 4000 mgs a day and have been on this dosage since early/mid . December. I have had some mild side effects on this drug and take 100 mg of trazodone for neurotic depression(drug induced) and for a sleep aid. Since the new dosage, I have been steadily going down hill. I am tired often, but don't sleep well. I've been severely depressed and my moods change on a dime. A day doesn't pass when I don't at least halfway think about committing suicide, and I cry at the drop of a hat. No one can stand me and to honest I cannot stand myself. I just wonder if this is a common side effect and should I alert my neuro.? The last time I mentioned being a little more depressed, she was eager for me to see a counselor, but I don't think that it will help b/c before Keppra (and E) I didn't have these problems. Please I really just need some help with what to do, I don't think I would ever committ suicide b/c I am highly religious but at times I don't know....Sorry this is so long...please respond...PLEASE.
Comments
Re: Help W/ Keppra
Submitted by Basham on Thu, 2007-02-15 - 11:47
I agree that you need to tell the doc ASAP. If she isn't helpful you should go to another doc. Sometimes docs are a bit blind to side effects, esp these type. But you live with yourself 24/7 -- remind yourself of that when a doc won't listen. He or she sees you for 15 minutes. They're only human. In the meantime, seek God in His Word. It is still true even though everything seems messed up (see Isaiah 50:10). And find someone you trust to talk to -- your pastor or an understanding friend. I am in a similar situation, with milder side effects (my dosage is lower). I will pray for you.
Re: Help W/ Keppra
Submitted by Cassie_W on Thu, 2007-02-15 - 17:25
I'd like to thank everyone for your help. I did not inform the doctor but I have cut my dosage back by 500 mgs and now take 3500 mg a day. I know I should inform the doctor, but I am so worried about what she will say, I worry also about what she will about me cutting it myself, but I have until may/june to care about that...Thank you all though for your very true and helpful words, God Bless to all...
Sunshine and Daisies,
~Cass
"There is no exquisite beauty without some strangeness in the proportion" -Edgar Allen Poe
Re: Help W/ Keppra
Submitted by falconwidow on Tue, 2007-02-06 - 22:04
Cassie, I'm so sorry you are having these problems. I'm new to this board, my son just got diagnosed. I'm not sure if the Keppra is causing the problems, but you need to talk to your neuro ASAP about this problem. I know how overwhelming it is for me dealing with my son having E, but I'm sure if I was in your shoes, it would be overwhelming. Rely on your faith to get your throught this, and know that you are not alone in this fight. I will say a prayer for you. God Bless Andy's mom