I took Depakote for ten years and changed to Keppra about a year and a half ago. I have experienced much fewer side effects with Keppra than with Depakote.

My one complaint about Keppra is that my low grade depression blossomed into "I want to kill myself" depression.

Your sister's tendency to become upset easily could be depression. In any case, she should speak to her neurologist about her concerns.

-Paige

i have had alot of side effects with keppra but so far it is the only med i have taken that has actually decreased my seizures. i tend to get dizzy, mood swings, anxiety,etc.,off balance,headaches, i feel sick pretty much all the time but i stay on it because i have tried so many other meds and this seem to be the only one with results. it's kind of like a double edge sword but i'd rather be cranky and sick than to have all the seizures . I guess it's a matter of personal choice, for me it's just easier having hope that i might actually go a month seizure free

i have had alot of side effects with keppra but so far it is the only med i have taken that has actually decreased my seizures. i tend to get dizzy, mood swings, anxiety,etc.,off balance,headaches, i feel sick pretty much all the time but i stay on it because i have tried so many other meds and this seem to be the only one with results. it's kind of like a double edge sword but i'd rather be cranky and sick than to have all the seizures . I guess it's a matter of personal choice, for me it's just easier having hope that i might actually go a month seizure free

I am new to this, too. I am on Keppra and it seems to work well for me. I was allergic to dilantin. Made me itchy and sleepy. I am depressed, but I don't know if that is the keppra.

My seizures are not under control and I take Keppra and Trileptal 1500 and 900 mg's 2x a day, respectively. I don't have any side effects with Keppra, it has always been the med in conjunction with it, and there have been many. As I said, I'm not under control but all meds effect people differently. I think it's great when someone joins the group out of concern for a family member or loved one.

Katie

I have taken Kepra for a few years now. I like it so I understand your sister not wanting to change. She needs to tell her doctor about the problems you described. Or if she will let you, go with her and tell the doctor what you notice. that can go a long way. My husband sees more than I do and it helps my doctors. Just as we do when our children are sick. We notice more and can tell the doctors. Or if there is someone that is with your siter more often day in and out, maybe they can share with the doctor. But please, ask your sister before jumping in there. Its a personal thing. We like to think we have the control. When something is messing with your brain, its hard to have control.So if we think we have, or we try to pretend, it makes us feel better. Now this is just how I feel. So don't go thinking I am an expert. I'm just a survivor. Have a good day and try not to worry, Margarita

I have been on Keppra since 5/2005 and have been seizure free with it and lamictal combined. I was on 1000mg in the am and 750 mg in the pm. My body eventually adjusted and it works great. How long has she had epilepsy? If she is recently diagnosed, her mood swings are not at all uncommon as she tries to adjust to a very scray but eventually manageable condition. I would love to be your friend.

Also, I found out after I was diagnosed with epilepsy I am bipolar,too. They are similar in many ways and it all takes place in that area of the brain.