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 VS Topamax
Tue, 02/07/2006 - 14:48Topic: Medication Issues
Does anyone know if there is that much difference in taking Keppra or taking Topamax? My husband was diagnosed with a "scar" and the doctors put him on Keppra. Since then he has been very moody and yesterday they switched him from 1500mg daily of Keppra to 50mg Topamax. Any information would be helpful.
Comments
Re: Re: Keppra VS Topamax
Submitted by pinkangel_82 on Sat, 2006-02-18 - 13:13
Hi
I have been taking Keppra for about 2-3 years now and I don't like the side effects of this drug. Keppra can also give you side effects of memory loss, mood swings and sleepiness so because of this I am changing over to Topamax.
I have been on Topamax in combination with others before and I found it has been the only AED that has ever controlled my seizures for nearly a whole year and the only side effect I had from it during that time was being snappy sometimes until I had some personal problems and my seizures returned and so did all the nasty side effects Topamax can bring. I am willing now though to try it out again, but at least this time I have the knowledge of the side effects of Topamax whereas I didn't beforehand.
I hope all goes well for you.
Take care
Teri
Re: Keppra VS Topamax
Submitted by kev5920 on Mon, 2006-02-20 - 17:14
Hi Jen,
At one point in my treatment, my neurologist put me on Keppra and one of the major side effects was moodiness. She asked me if I had an agressive nature. Having been on a lot of medications in the past four months, side effects are in every medicine that we all take. It's a question that I've learned to ask a lot. I hope this helps.
kev
Re: Keppra VS Topamax
Submitted by jontee55 on Tue, 2006-02-07 - 19:04
Jen: I am on a combination of Keppra (1500 MG/DAY) Topamax(100 mg/day) as well as Lamicatal(800 mg/day). Just today I discussed the results of tests my Neurologist gave me because I complained of lack of concentration, struggling to find words when I speak, and memory loss. Most, if not all of these are Topamax symptoms. That's the bad news. For me, since I added Topamax to my drug mix in February 2004, I have not had a seizure. This is the good news! Before then, I was having them every two weeks. My wife HAS complained that I have occasionally been moody, but I am also getting old and grey! Seriously, I would discuss this with your doctor further. I am on a plan to wean myself from Topamax,one pill a day, a week at a time, to see if the problems disappear. After each week, I am to contact my doctor and tell her the results. She says if Topamax is the problem, I will notice changes pretty quickly. Lets hope the seizures stay away! Good luck to you and your husband!