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They are switching my meds

Tue, 02/14/2006 - 03:05

Topic: Medication Issues

Hi I am very new to this site. I wish I had found it sooner. My comp doesnt like this site too much it keeps freezing but i will try to come back as often as possible. My Dr. Is switching me (after 14 yrs) to Keppra from depakote. So far I feel like I do not like this drug at all. I was sick and tired the first 2 weeks on it, now I have mood swings and my life is turned upside down. Everyone around me has noticed a personality change. My 2 yr relationship is totally on the rocks. Keppra is the only medicine that worked for my sister she had many types of seizures for many yrs and she began a new life when she was put on Keppra. She's been seizure free for 5 yrs!!!!!!!! My epilepsy was controlled by depakote for 14 yrs. I have grand Mal seizures. My doc took me off depakote becuase it can cause Spina Biffida in fetuses. But Keppra has really done a number on me. I still have some depakote in my system but as of tonight I am done with it. So the true test will be in the next few weeks. Now I am totally dependant on Keppra. Is it normal to feel so out of contraol and have depression and Mood swings on Keppra. I really need help. Thank you!!!

Comments

Re: They are switching my meds

Submitted by txrhb1 on Tue, 2006-02-14 - 03:38

Hi Megan, I am on Keppra also, and what you mentioned are usual side effects. Many of them should get better though, in the next few weeks. In the beginning, I was always tired - now, 9 months later, it's not nearly as bad, but I still have periods of tiredness. I suffer from depression also, so I don't think the Keppra made a big difference there, although it can for some people. If you continue to feel depressed, have mood swings, etc., make sure you let your doctor know RIGHT AWAY !! if you haven't talked to the doc yet, call him tomorrow and let him know - my epi warned me strongly about these side effects, as they can get serious, so just be aware of it, and careful. I hope you do well, and keep us posted, okay? ((( hugs ))), Barbie *************************************** "We are each of us angels with only one wing, and we can fly only by embracing each other." -lucian de crescenzo

Re: They are switching my meds

Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 2006-02-14 - 08:11

Hi Megan, Sorry to hear of the difficulites changing meds. Important to share the changes with the doctor making the changes - it can be tough to sort out causes of the symptoms. For example, mood changes can be a side effect of a new drug being added, or a result of taking away a drug. Depakote and some of the other AEDS have mood stabilizing properties and are used to help mood in people without seizures. Thus when it is stopped, the helpful effect of the drug on mood may leave.

There are ways to help this, but neurologist will want to sort out what is going on first. Psychiatrists with special knowledge of epilepsy and neurological issues may also be helpful, and counselors to help with the way if affects life and relationships.

Here's a link to general information on mood- talk to doctor re how it pertains to specific situations. www.epilepsy.com/epilepsy/moods_behavior.html www.epilepsy.com/epilepsy/behavior_medicineseffects.html Hope this helps, Take care, Epilepsy.com Resource Specialist

Re: They are switching my meds

Submitted by nanci on Tue, 2006-02-14 - 08:23

Megan it seems like alot of people have switched from Depokote to keppra. I was on Depokote which seems like forever! The first couple weeks were horible it took my body a while to get used to the drug! I am also on Lamactal. I was much better on Depokote. I have been on Keppra and Lamcatal since the summer. Now he is trying me on Lyrica. Nancy

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