Medication Transition and Seizure Side Effects

It really depends on the medication and dosage and it varies person to person. I’ve had difficulty with Keppra before as well, but I’m not familiar with the other medication. I now take Topamax 400 mg daily (200 mg bid) and it helps me with both migraines and seizures. But I did have to taper slowly and for the first few weeks I had insomnia. Every medication is different and affects each person differently. Many people complain about Topamax causing brain fog but I don’t experience that at all. I also didn’t have the mood issues that many people complain about with Keppra. So, again it varies and it’s a matter of trial and error. Talk with your doctor about what they suggest for the headaches and if they think it’s medication related or seizure related. Keep a diary so that you can tell if it’s close to the time when you have seizures or just in general and how long they last and if they recommend a pain reliever does that work. This will help them know if they need to prescribe something for prevention, pain relief or if the headache is part of the seizure. 

Hi, Thank you for posting. As Gianna mentioned in her comment treatment and medications varies for each individual and 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. It’s important that you’re continuing to follow-up with your healthcare team to express your concerns and if you continue to experience any potential changes in side effects, increase feelings of depression/irritability, changes in seizure types/frequency, symptoms, behaviors to determine what individual treatment plan is best for you. To learn more about the medications you’re taking and about seizure medication side effects, please visit: : https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/treating-seizures-and-epilepsy/seizure-and-epilepsy-medicines/side-effects You may want to consider keeping a journal, or diary. My Seizure Diary: https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/epilepsy-foundation-my-seizure-diaryis a great tool for tracking seizures, managing medications &side effects, setting reminders, recording medical history, moods, behaviors, triggers, and other personal experiences, which can be shared with your healthcare team. Additionally, you may always 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, or contactus@efa.org. epilepsy.com/helpline