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Keppra makes me feel sleepy, more depressed. Unusual?

Posted by larrywr @larrywr, Jun 17 8:54am

Taking Keppra which makes me feel sleepy and more depressed. Is this unusual?

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Jake | @jakedduck1 | Jun 19 12:07pm
In reply to @louissc "@jakedduck1 Hi Jake, Sometimes people with epilepsy tend to overlook the power of those side effects..." + (show)
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@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

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@louissc
Alcohol use like you mentioned is another danger all to often overlooked. My father became a C-5 Complete Quadraplegic (paralyzed from the neck down) due to a hit & run drunk driver. I believe only the victims and their families truly understand the seriousness of alcohol use.
Take care,
Jake

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Mentor
Chris Gautier, Volunteer Mentor | @santosha | Jun 20 8:21am
In reply to @larrywr "@santosha Thanks for the reply. I’ve had depression for about 20 years. At first the SSRI..." + (show)
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@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

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Hi @larrywr
You mentioned that your antidepressant has been less effective over the last 10 years, in particular since your TBI.
To me, it sounds like this is less about Keppra itself and more about your depression treatment needing a fresh look. It might be worth discussing with your doctor whether a change in your antidepressant medication could help.
Have you been able to discuss that with your doctor? And are you currently getting support from a psychologist or therapist as well?
Twenty years of depression is a long road, but the fact that you're still here, still asking questions, and still looking for what might help — that says a lot about your strength!
Chris

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louissc | @louissc | Jun 20 9:20pm
In reply to @jakedduck1 "@louissc Alcohol use like you mentioned is another danger all to often overlooked. My father became..." + (show)
Profile picture for Jake @jakedduck1

@louissc
Alcohol use like you mentioned is another danger all to often overlooked. My father became a C-5 Complete Quadraplegic (paralyzed from the neck down) due to a hit & run drunk driver. I believe only the victims and their families truly understand the seriousness of alcohol use.
Take care,
Jake

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@jakedduck1

Hi Jake,

Globally, there should be stricter laws and regulations regarding drunk driving. The danger they posed to public is simply too great.

Cheers,
Louis

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louissc | @louissc | Jun 20 9:26pm

I also felt the behavior of family members also play a big part which no drug can help. They need to behave as if nothing had changed and the one with condition isn’t a burden to the family. It’s inevitable the quality of wives and husbands will change. But when the role the other half plays now seems more like an obligation and not out of love, that can cause depression which I believe no drug can help. And yet, it’s hard to blame them if things do change. And then. you feel like you’re an obstacle to the lives they should be living. I’m not sure if antidepressants or psychiatrists treatment will work.

Cheers,
Louis

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