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Absence Seizures/Grand Mal

Sun, 02/03/2008 - 03:07

I have been taking Keppra  since October. Since about  age 8 I have experienced absence seizures. In Oct. I had my first Grand Mal seizure. None since, still having absence seizures. I just upped Keppra to 15oo wice daily today. Anyone have similar experience or encouragement? How much is usually enough?? I know each case differs. It is just nice to hear from others who face this challenge.

Thanks

Comments

Re: Absence Seizures/Grand Mal

Submitted by jtaggart04 on Sun, 2008-02-03 - 06:12

I am 22 years old now, and I went through the same timeline that you did. Unfortunately, I have Grand Mal seizures still (not often, maybe 3 a year).

I can tell when one will come on because I start having the absonce seizures. Although annoying, they have become a great big red flag for me to go somewhere safe. 

 I take 2000 mgs of Keppra twice daily, coupled with Lamictal. Keppra is a good drug to take, so don't feel down about it. It's the size of a horse, yes, but it's keeping me going day-by-day. Keep on smiling and keep on going. I'd love to see our epileptic crew shine. 

I am 22 years old now, and I went through the same timeline that you did. Unfortunately, I have Grand Mal seizures still (not often, maybe 3 a year).

I can tell when one will come on because I start having the absonce seizures. Although annoying, they have become a great big red flag for me to go somewhere safe. 

 I take 2000 mgs of Keppra twice daily, coupled with Lamictal. Keppra is a good drug to take, so don't feel down about it. It's the size of a horse, yes, but it's keeping me going day-by-day. Keep on smiling and keep on going. I'd love to see our epileptic crew shine. 

Re: Absence Seizures/Grand Mal

Submitted by SLW on Sun, 2008-02-03 - 09:55

 

 Hello jtagga,

So, are you able to drive now? What were your restrictions? Thanks for the information. The day I had the grand mal I was having the absence seizures very frequently, more than usual. Other than when you are about to have a grand mal do you currently have absence seizures?

What side effects have you experienced from the other medication?

Does anyone else have information about their timelines and how long the meds took to control their seizures?

 

 Hello jtagga,

So, are you able to drive now? What were your restrictions? Thanks for the information. The day I had the grand mal I was having the absence seizures very frequently, more than usual. Other than when you are about to have a grand mal do you currently have absence seizures?

What side effects have you experienced from the other medication?

Does anyone else have information about their timelines and how long the meds took to control their seizures?

Re: Absence Seizures/Grand Mal

Submitted by Donna Mims on Tue, 2008-02-05 - 00:18

D.J. Mims

 

Hi, I'm 53, have two grown children, and, yes, have a very active career where a lot of driving - stressful driving has been a major part of.  I am a court reporter, and I am given an address in not only my city, but cities in 75-90 mile circumference, and you talking about stressful?  Trying to find directions?   When I start feeling the absonce seizures, I take extra seizure medication (keep it with you), whatever type, Keppra, etc., and try and calm yourself down.  There have been days I wish I had not driven, because I had the grand mal once I arrived.  Seems as if there is a Higher Power watching out - knowing to let you get to where you're going.

But if you are having these signs, the absonce, the jerks, lightning strikes behind your eyes, twitching, eat something - especially something sweet has always helped me -- and take extra meds.  But IF YOU DON'T HAVE TO GET BEHIND THE WHEEL, call in and say you have a flat!  I've made a great living 31 years that way.

D.J. Mims

 

Hi, I'm 53, have two grown children, and, yes, have a very active career where a lot of driving - stressful driving has been a major part of.  I am a court reporter, and I am given an address in not only my city, but cities in 75-90 mile circumference, and you talking about stressful?  Trying to find directions?   When I start feeling the absonce seizures, I take extra seizure medication (keep it with you), whatever type, Keppra, etc., and try and calm yourself down.  There have been days I wish I had not driven, because I had the grand mal once I arrived.  Seems as if there is a Higher Power watching out - knowing to let you get to where you're going.

But if you are having these signs, the absonce, the jerks, lightning strikes behind your eyes, twitching, eat something - especially something sweet has always helped me -- and take extra meds.  But IF YOU DON'T HAVE TO GET BEHIND THE WHEEL, call in and say you have a flat!  I've made a great living 31 years that way.

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