Community Forum Archive

The Epilepsy Community Forums are closed, and the information is archived. The content in this section may not be current or apply to all situations. In addition, forum questions and responses include information and content that has been generated by epilepsy community members. This content is not moderated. The information on these pages should not be substituted for medical advice from a healthcare provider. Experiences with epilepsy can vary greatly on an individual basis. Please contact your doctor or medical team if you have any questions about your situation. For more information, learn about epilepsy or visit our resources section.

Keppra Side Effects

Thu, 10/09/2008 - 14:59
I am wondering if anyone else has experienced similar problems regardin Keppra?  I was on Lamictal for a short time until I developed a rash.  My doctor then switched me to Keppra.  I have lost my sense of taste and smell with the exception of an awful burned-type smell that I have 24 hours a day.  I also have some skin problems including fairly bad rosacea.  I have not heard of anyone else with these side-effects.  Is there another medication I should look into?

Comments

Re: Keppra Side Effects

Submitted by Colina2 on Thu, 2008-10-09 - 15:34

 Hi REM.

 I take Lamictal and Keppra and have tried many others. In the first few weeks when I started keppra I had some headaches, nausea and sleeplessness. My epileptologist warned me of these effects but assured me that they would subside and they did. Having said that, in my experience the effects you are describing could also be negative side effects and I think you deffinetly should call your doctor and explain them. Did you start on a low dose and gradualy build up?

http://my.epilepsy.com/medications/b_keppra_intro

 Hope this helps, take care.

 Hi REM.

 I take Lamictal and Keppra and have tried many others. In the first few weeks when I started keppra I had some headaches, nausea and sleeplessness. My epileptologist warned me of these effects but assured me that they would subside and they did. Having said that, in my experience the effects you are describing could also be negative side effects and I think you deffinetly should call your doctor and explain them. Did you start on a low dose and gradualy build up?

http://my.epilepsy.com/medications/b_keppra_intro

 Hope this helps, take care.

Re: Keppra Side Effects

Submitted by REMDenver on Thu, 2008-10-09 - 16:29

Colina2

Thanks for the response. Yes, I did build up dosage slowly.  The neurologist told me to give it a few months to see if the side effects would go away.  I have been on Keppra now for about 8 months and I just can't stand the side effects anymore.  Of course, it seems most of these drugs have side effects so I may just be stuck with dealing with it.

Colina2

Thanks for the response. Yes, I did build up dosage slowly.  The neurologist told me to give it a few months to see if the side effects would go away.  I have been on Keppra now for about 8 months and I just can't stand the side effects anymore.  Of course, it seems most of these drugs have side effects so I may just be stuck with dealing with it.

Re: Keppra Side Effects

Submitted by rigst on Mon, 2008-10-13 - 22:53
I'm on Keppra, Dilantin and Lamictal.  When I first started Keppra it cause me to have really weird dreams.  I also turn in to a real basket case, crying and getting really emotional.  The doctor had to put me on anti-depressent to counter act the side effect of Keppra.  The strange smells your having don't sound like a side effect.  I would call my doctor, you could possibly be having small seizures.  The reason I'm saying that is because I had a number of small seizure and had no idea I was having them.  Good luck to you, I know it's not easy.  I have had over 30 Grand Mal Seizures and so many little seizures I can't count.  The current mix of meds have work for me for the last two years.  It's just hard dealing with all the side effect to the meds you have to take to keep the seizures away.

Sign Up for Emails

Stay up to date with the latest epilepsy news, stories from the community, and more.