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Keppra and PNES
Sun, 06/09/2019 - 06:55Topic: Medication Issues
Hi all,
A brief history before getting into my issue. I was diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy in october of 2017, started out on sodium valproate but that was unsuccessful so I was put on Keppra (2000mg) and have been 'seizure free' (ill get to that in a second) for the best part of a year. However, I was diagnosed recently with PNES or non-epileptic attack disorder (which manifests as clusters of absence seizures) and my neurologist has determined that this is brought on by stress and anxiety. My issue lies in the fact that Keppra is contributing massively to my depression and anxiety, I get bouts of anger often and am very easily agitated, mostly at my parents and siblings, this leads to guilt and in-turn depression. I am currently seeing a psychologist and this is helping with my anxiety, however, I am still very easily agitated and still get unreasonably angry often. My question is, would it be wise to change medication despite the 'success' I have had in controlling my epileptic seizures? My neurologist seems reluctant to change however I am at my wits end with this anger as it does not seem to be getting any better.
Comments
PS I have no medical training
Submitted by Athena_5ce4563aba984 on Thu, 2019-06-13 - 14:34
PS I have no medical training - this is only based on my experience.
Hi Bverringer, Thanks for
Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 2019-06-10 - 11:04
Hi Bverringer, Thanks for sharing your experience. It’s important that you’re following up with your healthcare team to determine what specific treatment is best for you and to continue express your concerns related to your feelings of depression, anxiety and anger. https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/challenges-epilepsy/moods-and-behavior/medications-and-moodFor more information regarding seizure medication and side effects please visit , https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/treating-seizures-and-epilepsy/seizure-and-epilepsy-medicines/side-effects & https://www.epilepsy.com/medications/levetiracetamhttps://www.epilepsy.com/learn/treating-seizures-and-epilepsy/seizure-and-epilepsy-medicines/finding-best-dosageIt's important to recognize that epilepsy is more than just seizures, overall well-being and emotional health is just as important, https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/healthy-living/emotional-health It is common for those living with epilepsy to experience feelings of depression, https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/healthy-living/emotional-health/overview-depression and anxiety, https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/challenges-epilepsy/moods-and-behavior/mood-and-behavior-advanced/anxiety-disordersLearn more about PNES, https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/types-seizures/nonepileptic-seizures-or-events , challenges with epilepsy, https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/challenges-epilepsy/moods-and-behavior , and managing your epilepsy, https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/managing-your-epilepsy It can be helpful to connect with other people who live with epilepsy, to ask questions, share experiences, find & give support to each other, by contacting your local Epilepsy Foundation at, epilepsy.com/localsupport ,to find support groups, events, and programs in your community. Additionally contact our Epilepsy and Seizures 24/7 Helpline: 1-800-332-1000, contactus@efa.org, where a trained information specialist assist in connecting you to resources, provide referrals & additional support. epilepsy.com/helpline