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Keppra

Sun, 01/19/2020 - 05:43
Hi my son is 3 nearly 4 and has been on Keppra for 18 months. Since then he has had behavioural and anger issues. His speech also completely stopped when he first went on Keppra for 3 months. He is now saying a few words big nothing like a 3 year old should be. Has anyone else experienced this.

Comments

When I was 10 (i am 23  now)

Submitted by Meggo on Sun, 2020-01-19 - 16:24
When I was 10 (i am 23  now) I tried Keppra... it helped my epilepsy but gave me really bad anger, behavioural issues and low mood. I never experienced any reduced speech, but it was a horrible time (including for the rest of my family) so I came off it before long.

Hi, Thank you for posting and

Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 2020-01-21 - 06:08
Hi, Thank you for posting and we understand your concerns. Treatment and how the body may react to certain medications varies for each individual. The goal of treatment with medicines should be –No Seizures and No Side Effects. However, we know that some individuals may experience too many side effects, that are very bothersome or cause other health problems.His difficulty with behavioral issues could be related to several things from seizures, his epilepsy, medication, or a separate issue. Cognitive problems - problems with speech, paying attention or concentrating, or other symptoms – can be due to side effects of some seizure medicines. To learn more about the effects of epilepsy and seizure medicines on cognition,visit:  https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/challenges-epilepsy To learn more about Keppra & medication side effects, please visit: https://www.epilepsy.com/medications/levetiracetamIt’s important that you all continue follow-up with your son’s healthcare team to address these challenges and review any changes in side effects,seizure types/ frequency, behaviors, moods and symptoms, to determine what individual treatment is best for him. It may be helpful to keep a journal or diary. My Seizure Diary: https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/epilepsy-foundation-my-seizure-diaryis a great tool for identifying & tracking seizures, setting reminders,managing medications & side effects, recording medical history, moods, behaviors, and triggers& other therapies that may affect seizures and wellness, which can be shared with his healthcare team. It’s common for those who are in caregiver role to feel overwhelmed, but it is just as important to make sure you’re taking care of yourself as well.https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/parents-and-caregivers  It can be helpful to connect with other parents who may have similar experiences, to ask questions, find &give support to each other, by visiting:  https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/parents-and-caregivers/parents-helping-parents  Or contact our 24/7 Helpline, where trained information specialists are available to answer your questions, offer help, hope, support,guidance, and access to national and local resources. 1-800-332-1000, contactus@efa.org. epilepsy.com/helpline 

What did you try next?

Submitted by Emily JJ on Mon, 2020-02-10 - 19:08
What did you try next?

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