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Weaning off keppra protocol?
I had one seizure in my sleep 9 months ago. Mmr, Ct scan, eeg (2) were all normal. I underwent sleep study tests and it was determined that I have sleep apnea. After discussing this with a couple medical doctors the thought is I probably stopped breathing for too long and had a seizure. I was put on keppra 500 mg 2x a day (500 morning 500 at night) my family noticed very odd behavior from me for months after the meds (notable side affects) , so I was decreased to 500 mg at night.
I faithfully use my cpap machine and have had no other seizures.
I want very much to be done with this drug altogether. Weaning protocol?
500 mg every other day? or 250 mg each night for a week? (2 weeks)
I’ve been told slower is better. What just want OFF of it.
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I have been taking 500mg daily for about 20 days; I noticed that I felt dizzy for last two days. I do not know if this is a side effect or not?
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1 ReactionYes, i am taking keppra for seizure
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1 ReactionI think Keppra has to many side effects. That being said it works for others. Make sure it is titrated according to your physician. Hope that helps.
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1 ReactionAfter 50 years on the meds, I'm better now and decided to ween off the meds. VERY slowly. I've been tapering down for 2 years! Am down from 1800 mgs of epilepsy meds daily, to 60 mg (6ml) per day. Have never felt better. The Keppra held on tight and wouldn't let me off of my 500s. Even after I cut them in half to 250. Dogs and cats can get 100 mgs at Chewey for $1 per. I'm not looking for the highest pet prices I can find. Doc finally prescribed me 100mg liquid form at a very reasonable (human) price. After I got used to the extra work I love it. Now I can ween all the way down. Next week I'll go down to 50mg(5ml), etc. The thing with me was that I don't need the meds anymore. That's why I've worked so hard to ween off them.
Hi, @r0bert and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. That is a very long time to have been on your meds! Good to hear you've never felt better.
You mentioned weaning off over 2 years. Sounds like perhaps your doctor gave you this protocol for weaning? You mentioned levetiracetam (Keppra) held on tight and wouldn't let you off of your 500s. What happened when you tried to do this?
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2 ReactionsRemember all.....Keppra is meant to work over a 12hr period so if you are only taking 1 pill at night, you are only protected during the evening. Awhile back, I forgot to take one of my Keppra pills and I had a seizure that night. That was awhile back and currently I have weened off the Keppra gradually and I have been seizure free for almost 3 months now. Keeping my fingers crossed.
God Bless....
ray hippele
I've been on Keppra for years at the highest dose I'm told is allowed; e.g. 3000 mgs per day. The dosage has helped me dramitically. I have no other side effects. I do have issues with sleeping and I wonder if the Keppra contributes to that. Any comments would be appreciated.
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3 ReactionsHello @royanthony
I'm very sorry to hear you're having sleep troubles with Keppra. I've experienced similar issues with other AEDs (though not Keppra specifically), and I know how exhausting and frustrating this can be. Sleep disturbances and insomnia are, unfortunately, quite common side effects of many AEDs.
As my doctor always reminds me, every person's body responds differently to medications, so what works well for one person might cause problems for another. I checked the Mayo Clinic information on Keppra, and sleep issues are indeed listed among the potential side effects: https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/levetiracetam-oral-route/description/drg-20068010
I remember you mentioning some time ago that you were taking Zolpidem to help with sleep. Has that stopped being effective, or have things changed with your sleep routine?
Chris
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