Keppra makes me feel sleepy, more depressed

@larrywr

Keppra ER makes me sleepier than l used to be. But I haven’t noticed anything else in my almost 10 years on it. For me it works well and so I just sleep in a little bit more. So far as depression, I haven’t experienced anything attributed to Keppra, although most meds can have side effects. Also the realization that one has developed epilepsy often is difficult to unpack, independent of any changes in the physical brain or medications. Best wishes as you go forward.

@larrywr Been on Keppra for over 10 years. I've had no issues. I wish it kept me to sleep longer.

@methel Thanks. I should add I also use SSRI for depression.

Hi, @larrywr - welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I moved your post here as a brand new discussion, as I thought others might like to discuss these side effects you've experienced of feeling sleepy and more depressed with levetiracetam (Keppra).

Are you seeing a pretty direct correlation with taking the medication and experiencing both of these effects, then? Has your neurologist/epileptologist weighed in on these effects and how to address them?

@larrywr
sleepiness and depression/mood issues are very common side effects.
As far as the mood side effects like anger, and such as that are concerned, some patient say that taking vitamin B-6 helps ease them. The side effects might improve after a month or so. The SSRI may be the culprit.
Jake

Hi @larrywr
Welcome to our group on Connect!
I'm also on Keppra — have been for about a year and a half now. My experience is that many AEDs can cause sleepiness. The only one I've tried that kept me alert was Lamictal, but then I had real trouble sleeping at night, which was actually worse than occasional daytime sleepiness.
To compensate for my deep sleep, which isn't ideal, I do a daily yoga nidra practice after lunch. I've learned that 30 minutes of yoga nidra can be equivalent to up to 3 hours of deep sleep. Afterward, I usually feel like I've woken up from a really good night's sleep. Curiously, after this practice, my smartwatch shows that I need fewer hours of sleep at night.
Have you tried any relaxation practices to see if they might help you too? Do you monitor your sleep — REM and deep sleep stages? It can be quite insightful.
Chris
Note: If you'd like, I can share one of my favorite yoga nidra practices on YouTube.

@santosha Thanks for the advice. Depression is my main concern. TBI 2years ago caused the seizures.

Hi @larrywr
I'm so sorry to hear that. Did you have depression before starting Keppra, or did it appear after starting this medication? How long have you been on an SSRI, if you don't mind sharing?
Sending you much strength your way!
Chris

@jakedduck1

Hi Jake,

Sometimes people with epilepsy tend to overlook the power of those side effects and let them take over their lives unknowingly. Depression is one major side effect which one with AEM should always keep a look out for. It can be dangerous.

Cheers,
Louis

@santosha Thanks for the reply. I’ve had depression for about 20 years. At first
the SSRI helped, but their effect has diminished over the last 10 years and in particular since the BTI in 2024