Keppra- How too tell him i think it's becoming a problem?

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My boyfriend of almost 13 years has changed into someone who is angry all the time. I honestly feel like it's keppra. He is ruining this family and I don't know what to do. His 18 year old daughter is moving out because of him and he just doesn't care. I love him and can't imagine my life without him but I also have a 12 year daughter to think of. The last 6 months to a year has been pure hell. He was on a higher dose which made him even worse, so he talked to his neurologist and they just lowered the dose. He doesn't think there is an issue now. I'm at my breaking point. I can't keep crying, his children can't take it, and he doesn't get it. Help.

Comments

Epilepsy and the medications

Submitted by birdman on Sun, 2019-05-26 - 21:46

Epilepsy and the medications have had that effect upon me as well. I remember in the early 1990's doctors had me going through "drug trials" which involved lots of ups and downs, ons and offs of different anti seizure meds. I often was angry that other people treated me as stupid and were so pushy on me. During those drug trials I made so many switches that it eventually became apparent it was I who would change whenever the Dilantin got to higher levels. Wow! Nobody could have told me that or I would have been even more angry.For your situation maybe it would be safest and wisest to assume that "we" have a problem and seek some counselling where a professional counselor could guide your boyfriend and you into realizing his imbalance is causing the family hardship and needs to be taken care of. Don't present yourself as, "see I told you so"; that will anger him more. Work at it as a team as if you have been responsible for his problem. But inside be assured that this is NOT your fault and you can really help someone who needs it.Thanks

Hi Tgbell35, Thanks so much

Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 2019-05-28 - 09:13

Hi Tgbell35, Thanks so much for sharing, it sounds like you all have been through a lot. It’s important that you continue to express your concerns and that your boyfriend is following up with his healthcare team to discuss any changes in side effects,behaviors, symptoms, or seizure types. For more information regarding seizure medication and side effects please visit, https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/challenges-epilepsy/moods-and-behavior/medications-and-mood & https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/treating-seizures-and-epilepsy/seizure-and-epilepsy-medicines/finding-best-dosageIt is common for those who are in caretaker role to feel overwhelmed, but it’s important to remember that you are not alone. As a caretaker, https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/parents-and-caregivers , it’s 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, https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/our-programs/wellness-institute ,provides tools & strategies to better assist your loved one and support you in your important role. To learn more about stress management please visit, https://www.epilepsy.com/sites/core/files/atoms/files/Stress%20Management%20factsheet.pdf & https://www.epilepsy.com/sites/core/files/atoms/files/Emotional%20Health%20factsheet.pdf 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. Contact your local Epilepsy Foundation at, epilepsy.com/localsupport & www.epilepsy.com/affiliates , to find support groups, events, and programs in your community. Additionally, our Epilepsy and Seizures 24/7 Helpline: 1-800-332-1000, contactus@efa.org, epilepsy.com/helpline , where a trained information specialist can assist in connecting you to resources, provide referrals & additional support. https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/our-programs/individual-family-services

Hi Tgbell35,  Thanks so much for sharing, it sounds like you all have been through a lot. It’s important that you continue to express your concerns and that your boyfriend is following up with his healthcare team to discuss any changes in side effects,behaviors, symptoms, or seizure types. For more information regarding seizure medication and side effects please visit,  https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/challenges-epilepsy/moods-and-behavior/medications-and-mood   & https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/treating-seizures-and-epilepsy/seizure-and-epilepsy-medicines/finding-best-dosageIt is common for those who are in caretaker role to feel overwhelmed, but it’s important to remember that you are not alone. As a caretaker, https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/parents-and-caregivers , it’s 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, https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/our-programs/wellness-institute ,provides tools & strategies to better assist your loved one and support you in your important role. To learn more about stress management please visit, https://www.epilepsy.com/sites/core/files/atoms/files/Stress%20Management%20factsheet.pdf & https://www.epilepsy.com/sites/core/files/atoms/files/Emotional%20Health%20factsheet.pdf 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. Contact your local Epilepsy Foundation at, epilepsy.com/localsupport &  www.epilepsy.com/affiliates , to find support groups, events, and programs in your community. Additionally, our Epilepsy and Seizures 24/7 Helpline: 1-800-332-1000, contactus@efa.org,  epilepsy.com/helpline  , where a trained information specialist can assist in connecting you to resources, provide referrals & additional support. https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/our-programs/individual-family-services

Hi Tgbell35, Thanks so much for sharing, it sounds like you all have been through a lot. It’s important that you continue to express your concerns and that your boyfriend is following up with his healthcare team to discuss any changes in side effects,behaviors, symptoms, or seizure types. For more information regarding seizure medication and side effects please visit, https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/challenges-epilepsy/moods-and-behavior/medications-and-mood & https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/treating-seizures-and-epilepsy/seizure-and-epilepsy-medicines/finding-best-dosageIt is common for those who are in caretaker role to feel overwhelmed, but it’s important to remember that you are not alone. As a caretaker, https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/parents-and-caregivers , it’s 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, https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/our-programs/wellness-institute ,provides tools & strategies to better assist your loved one and support you in your important role. To learn more about stress management please visit, https://www.epilepsy.com/sites/core/files/atoms/files/Stress%20Management%20factsheet.pdf & https://www.epilepsy.com/sites/core/files/atoms/files/Emotional%20Health%20factsheet.pdf 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. Contact your local Epilepsy Foundation at, epilepsy.com/localsupport & www.epilepsy.com/affiliates , to find support groups, events, and programs in your community. Additionally, our Epilepsy and Seizures 24/7 Helpline: 1-800-332-1000, contactus@efa.org, epilepsy.com/helpline , where a trained information specialist can assist in connecting you to resources, provide referrals & additional support. https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/our-programs/individual-family-services

In addition to the good

Submitted by Elliot87 on Tue, 2019-05-28 - 12:40

In addition to the good advice below around communication and possibly counseling, know also that many people experience severe mood changes on Keppra. It’s right there in the list of common side effects. There are many similar stories in this forum. My husband went through this on Keppra and when he switched to another medication the angry and irrational person I did not recognize went away. Keep advocating with the neuro to see if another medication can give him good seizure control without the psychosocial harm.