Don't be afraid. Keppra's okay.

I spent the last 5 years on a combo of depakote, lamictal, and diamox--until their effectiveness lessened last spring. Before that I tried just about everything, most of the time with awful side effects. This summer I was put on keppra (still taking depakote and lamictal too), and i've been tolerating it well. At first I was a bit dizzy and shaky, but after a week or so I got used to it. Now my only complaints are my depakote side effects (the hair loss is driving me crazy). My seizure frequency and severity has decreased significantly since I started keppra, although I did have to increase the dosage quite a few times. I hope it goes just as well for you.

Good luck!

Hi there! I am no Dr. But your system gets immuned to certain types of medications such as you are on, the meds then, do not act as well or do not do much at all, causing more problems, I am the same way with my meds. Keep us posted as how you are doing, I understand that keppra has helped alot of people.
Sincerely,
sandy

Hi!
Like you I was very hesitant about going on keppra. I was scared of how my body would react, and despite having only fair control on lamictal, I was uneasy about switching. In the end, I ended up on a combo of lamictal and keppra and it has done me a world of good. I finally feel like I have a quality of life that I never thought was possible. Like you,!my seizures are usually!several years apart, but then they got a little closer together and triegered more easily which prompted the change. In any case, as I say keppra has been wolderful for me. Things that nosmally would have triggeped seizures in me (lack of sleep, stresq etc.) are not affectine me at all. Plus i'm pregnant and everything iq going well and so far the doctors feel the baby is completely healthy and on track. Anytime you add/change/take away a med. It's scarey, but if asked, I would definately say that keppra is worth trying.
Good luck!
Kathy

I havr been on keppra and dilantin for a while now and after adding the keppra I havent had a seizure in four months it has been great good luck

It is always good to hear when a med is good and helps some!! These meds are so individual that you just have to try it to see if it is the right one for you!


It is hard to switch and go through the worry of whether it is good or not...Hang in there!! Hoping the switch goes really well for you.....


Rxlist is a good place for info on a med. It can take 4-6 weeks to fully adjust to a med so hang in there if it takes awhile. Sometimes the side effects lessen after that time. I hope it helps you!