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Kepprage
Wed, 08/12/2009 - 12:30I've been taking Keppra for about three or four years for Complex Partial Seizures that were the result of a TBI in 1990 (I took Depakote for ten years prior - that's another med issue thread altogether!).
One of the first problems I had with Keppra was that I began having weekly migraines that the Depakote must have been taking care of. I take Nortriptyline for the migraines. The next issue, which I wasn't aware was a side-effect at the time, was that I plunged into a much deeper depression, and wanted to end my life. Now, a few years since that, I am experiencing profound bursts of rage and fury that I cannot seem to control. It's interfering in my relationships with friends and family alike, and also my work. I still have the depression, and the Lexapro I began taking at the last fit of suicidal depression isn't cutting it anymore. I find myself at the same point again.
I have an appointment with my neurologist this afternoon, and I think I'm going to tell him that I just can't tolerate the Keppra anymore, and that I want to try something else. I already know I'm allergic to Tegretol and Lamictal, and I won't consider Topamax (its side-effects are too similar to those of Depakote). I don't know what other meds I can try.
I would love, love, love to have the damaged area of my left temporal lobe excised surgically, but don't feel I'm in a position to explore that. I just don't know what to do. I have B6 in my daily vitamin @300% DV, and I've seen what people write about it.
I feel like my life is turning to ashes because of the anger and depression.
Anyone else have this kind of crap going on? How did you handle it?
Comments
Re: Kepprage
Submitted by sash07 on Wed, 2009-08-12 - 14:00
Hi
I had the same reaction to Keppra and switched to Keppra XR. Splitting 2000 mgs, Am & Pm. It really did make a difference in my anger & depression. I believe depression is there with all the AED's and as long as we realize its the meds & E and life isnt hopeless, we can control it better. Try your best to stay in a positive frame of mind with some exercise (walking,yoga ) that always makes me feel better.. I find taking B6,B12 Vit D, zinc & folic acid also helps keep me balanced. As does keeping my sugar level up by eating something every three hours..
Because your taking more than 2 meds you might want to check with your pharmacist to see if your reaction isnt from the drugs combined and not just 1 single drug. (even though keppra is known for rage) I'm glad you had a drs appointment and hope he helped put your mind at ease..
Take care (:
Sash07
Attitude is everything. Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle. Live simply, Love generously, Care deeply, Speak kindly.......
Hi
I had the same reaction to Keppra and switched to Keppra XR. Splitting 2000 mgs, Am & Pm. It really did make a difference in my anger & depression. I believe depression is there with all the AED's and as long as we realize its the meds & E and life isnt hopeless, we can control it better. Try your best to stay in a positive frame of mind with some exercise (walking,yoga ) that always makes me feel better.. I find taking B6,B12 Vit D, zinc & folic acid also helps keep me balanced. As does keeping my sugar level up by eating something every three hours..
Because your taking more than 2 meds you might want to check with your pharmacist to see if your reaction isnt from the drugs combined and not just 1 single drug. (even though keppra is known for rage) I'm glad you had a drs appointment and hope he helped put your mind at ease..
Take care (:
Sash07
Attitude is everything. Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle. Live simply, Love generously, Care deeply, Speak kindly.......
Re: Kepprage
Submitted by wyboemail on Wed, 2009-08-12 - 13:56
Try taking a B vitamin like Trader Joes brand B-100 or even a higher does. It has helped my son a great deal. We can tell when he misses a day of his B-100.
curtis.wybourn@us.qbe.com
Curt
Try taking a B vitamin like Trader Joes brand B-100 or even a higher does. It has helped my son a great deal. We can tell when he misses a day of his B-100.
curtis.wybourn@us.qbe.com
Curt