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Keppra
Wed, 07/31/2019 - 17:38Hi all,my 15yr old daughter was just diagnosed with juvenile myoclonic and though she is now 90% seizure free on this drug, her mood is one of someone angry and she also has tiredness. Whats the evidence base for switching to drugs equally effective but with much less of such side effects, if at all possible? Many thanks
Hi father_5d42097ba4cac,
Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 2019-08-01 - 08:07
Hi father_5d42097ba4cac, Thanks so much for posting. It’s important that you continue follow-up with your daughter's healthcare team to express your concerns and discuss any changes in side effects, seizure types, frequency, behaviors and symptoms, to determine what individual treatment is best for her. https://www.epilepsy.com/sites/core/files/atoms/files/pg2L_HealthCareVisits_09-2018.pdf . For more information regarding Keppra and side effects,visit: https://www.epilepsy.com/medications/levetiracetamhttps://www.epilepsy.com/learn/treating-seizures-and-epilepsy/seizure-and-epilepsy-medicines/side-effectshttps://www.epilepsy.com/learn/challenges-epilepsy/moods-and-behavior/medications-and-mood Additionally, you may want to consider with your daughter's healthcare team having a device that can help track seizures, by visiting https://www.dannydid.org/ , and by keeping a seizure diary https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/epilepsy-foundation-my-seizure-diary as another self-management tool. These tools may be helpful in identifying & tracking seizures, other symptoms, managing medication & other therapies, recognizing triggers and health events that may affect seizures and wellness, which you can share with her providers. To learn more about managing epilepsy, please visit:https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/managing-your-epilepsy It is common for those who are in caretaker role to feel overwhelmed. It’s important to remember that you are not alone, and it is just as important to make sure you’re taking care of yourself as well. https://www.epilepsy.com/sites/core/files/atoms/files/Caregivers%20factsheet.pdf.The Wellness Institute: epilepsy.com/wellness ,provides tools and strategies to better assist your loved one and support you in your important role. For practical & effective strategies to enhance your well-being, learn more here: https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/toolbox/wellness-support-tools Sometimes it's helpful to connect with other people who live with or care for those with epilepsy, to ask questions, share experiences, find & give support to each other, by contacting your local Epilepsy Foundation at: https://www.epilepsy.com/affiliates to find support groups, events, and programs in your community. Additionally you may contact our Epilepsy and Seizures 24/7 Helpline: 1-800-332-1000 contactus@efa.org , where a trained information specialist can connect you to resources, provide referrals and additional support.epilepsy.com/helpline