My daughter is autistic and initially we saw a slight increase in her verbal skills and attempts at interacting with people. Then as the dosage increased she became very agitated and we had to add seroquel to decrease the agitation. That did the job. Best of luck to you.

Thanks so much for the information. I get concerned trying something new. Take care.

My daughter was diagnosed with epilepsy over a month ago after 2 seizures within 2 1/2 months. She was put on KeppraXR and so far has had no seizures or known side effects. However, she got tonsillitus a few weeks ago and they put her on amoxicillin, which she has taken her whole life (she's 18) with no problems, and she developed a horrible allergic reaction. She was swollen and her body was completely covered in hives. Fortunately, she didn't swell internally. So I don't know? The doctors said there shouldn't be a conflict between the two medications, but it seemed odd that all of sudden she's allergic to penicillin. So be careful with other medications, especially penicillin.

Dear Pedee,

I am also on Keppra X-R. My neurologist and I both think it's a great med! It has less "side-effects" than some of the others I've been through 7-8 others). Because it is a 24-hour pill (that's the X-R), I only have to remember to take it in the morning with all my vitamins! One thing that's very important to realize is that your B vitamins must be at adequate levels to take this drug with good results. (That's especially B3 & B6, but a decent multivit will help.) If you're short on your B vits, there are multiple side-effects having to do with uncontrollable anger, anxiety and/or other psychological issues.

I've had no side-effects, but many people on this list have them. My opinion - and being a doctor - is that they are B vit. related.

Good luck to you!
Dimmie

I am glad that the Keppra XR is helping u. I have been ob Keppra but just now learned of Keppra XR from u. I will have to talk to myt doctor about this taking one time med. I do forget so it would be better for me. I take it u have not nbeen on Keppra for long. I hve beeen on it alone for a 2 years or so and now on Lamictal and Keppra together. Good luck to your health and let me know how things are going.

When I was on Keppra I had anxiety attacks, mental breakdowns, and I would get extremely mad VERY easily. If you can, get on something different. I would never recommend this to anyone with seizures.

GriffLyautey,

That's because Keppra uses some B vits, and if you don't have enough, those are common aide-effects. Don't blame your outburst on the keppra. With a daily dose of B vits., those symptoms will not happen. I discussed this in my initial post - with an adequate supply of B vits., those symptoms will disappear.

Dimmie

Hello PeDee,

Dimmie is Rite about the B vitamins. :) Certain meds rob us of Vital Nutrients. :(

I would like to add this though. What others' experience in the way of seizure control & side effects, well, it's an Individual thing. Or, What works for one, may not work for another. What one experiences on a certain med, another does Not. Each of us have to go thru a 'Trial & Error' phase to find a med that controls seizures w/ the least amount of side effects. Side effects are what we watch for, not necessarily what will Be! Proper Nutrition is, also, Very important in keeping S/E's to a minimum. It normally takes 4-6 weeks to Know if a med is Rite for You! Be sure you follow-up w/ your DR for annual Blood tests. Every 6 mths to start.

Start keeping a journal! Clik on green high-lighted words for more info. :)

Love Candi

Dear Pedee and Candi,

Just a sidenote: since Keppra is fully metabolized, there is nothing left of it afterwards, so THERE ARE NO BLOODTESTS for the drug. You'll be able to tell if it works just by monitoring yoursellf and keeping a journal (as Candi suggests) is an excellent idea.

Dimmie

Thanks everyone for the great advice. It is a blessing to be on this site and know everyone understands and does not judge. May God bless you all.

Hi everyone. My son has been on Keppra for a year and a half and his doctor initially had concerns about behavior issues that might surface with this drug. My son did not experience any behavior issues, BUT he IS taking B complex vitamins and a multivitamin each day. I also read that it's important to take B vitamins with these meds so I'm glad to know it's helping my son. I hope others thinking of trying Keppra will consider this IF they have behavioral or mood side effects.