I have been taking keppra for a year now. My current dose is 3,000mg of extended release every day. I have had anywhere from mild seizues to a Grand mal seizure which nearly took my life. I also have advanced alzheimers. I have not had one seizure since starting keppra. My ability to function on my own again is all thanks to keppra. For me it has been a miracle drug ( with side effects). I don't know how much time the drug will buy me but I will enjoy the time I have been given back.

@hippele
Admittedly we don't know but I wouldn't stop my medication after only being seizure-free for one year. I doubt you’ll find any physician who would advocate your decision. Are you going to get a neurological exam or EEG & MRI before stopping?
One problem is if you ever start having again they my not be so easily controlled. Seems chancey to me.
Just don't stop it abruptly.
I hope it works out for the best but be prepared.
Take care,
Jake

I appreciate the follow up and your experience with Zolpidem. Like you, if I take the whole pill at once, I might get 6 hrs sleep, max. I welcome the suggestions on the 2/3 & 1/3 split. It seems I'm only able to get the round pill version, but I'll try anyway.

Husband started on Levetiracetam (Keppra) 1 week ago after experiencing 2nd tonic-clonic seizure in 5 months. He's experiencing very poor mental health - is this your experience ? Does this go away after a few weeks of medication ???

Yes, I take Keppra for grandmal seizures, I can only take 1 capsule per day. My system is really sensitive to medication, it works for me. I don’t have auras any more.

Is anyone diabetic, with heart problems, what do you do naturally to lower your blood pressure?

@sissie7 So glad to hear you and your doctor figured out what works for you!
I totally get the medication sensitivity thing - Keppra was rough for me at first, too. My doctor had me starting at 500 mg twice a day, which was way too much for my system. We've landed on just 125 mg in the morning and 150 mg at night using the liquid version. And honestly? It's been a game-changer! No seizures and the side effects are actually manageable now, thank goodness.
My doctor's been amazing through this whole process, really taking the time to adjust things bit by bit. He even told me that even though I'm 54, my body handles meds more like a kid would - which explains a lot!
What about you, what's your current dosage looking like? Are you on one of those extended-release versions where you only have to take it once a day? I've been curious about those!
Chris

A neurologist is treating me. When I had my tonic clonic seizure 2 yrs ago, they started me out on 500mg keppra 2x a day. A year later, I reduced that to once a day. I did have another less intense seizure the second year when I forgot to take my once a day pill. Thats when doctor explained the 12hr duration of keppra so I then did 250 2x a day. Then this year I started reducing further in Feb and was completely weened off very slowly by May. All these decisions were made by me and not my doctor. I informed him what I was doing. Of course, they can not recommend my planned path as they are afraid of the liability for them in the United States. They are more comfortable giving you pills even with side effects as that protects them in the courts. The patient has to make their own decisions and take their own CALCULATED chances. God Bless.

@hippele
I firmly disagree with the idea that doctors prescribe pills solely to make patients "more comfortable" or to cover themselves legally. The reality is that they prescribe anti-seizure medications because these are the first-line treatments for controlling seizures. While I acknowledge that these medications can have serious side effects, they effectively control seizures about 60-70% of seizures. Yes, some individuals may experience negative reactions, but those side effects are potential risks, not certainties. Doctors cannot with any certainty predict the side effects .

Take care,
Jake

I was on Keppra for over 20 years. Whether it's been a build-up from long term usage or I just realized that I've been having Anxiety attacks along with seizures. Anxiety is a side effect of Keppra. They say it's rare.
I just went off it 2 months ago. I started adding Kava supplement 100 mg. in the afternoon. Up to this comment I have not had a seizure or anxiety attack since April 20th 2025. I do feel much calmer and I thinking skills have improved. I'd definitely consider seeing a epileptologist.
I've done a lot of research on seizure drugs and alternative herbs.
I've never seen one but wish I would have made the decision to see an epileptologist decades ago.
My life may have a different story.
Do some research on kava, tumeric, and niacin (100mg.)