← Return to Anyone experience side effects while decreasing Keppra?

Discussion
Comment receiving replies
@cashelton

I am caregiver to my x-husband. He is in a memory care facility and they sent him to a "behavioral clinic" due to "aggression", which I have to question right off the bat. This clinic is almost two hours from my home, and the first time I made the trip, I was stunned at his condition. In a wheelchair, could barely lift his head, did not know who I was. They claimed they took him off all meds to start "fresh". Ok - they're the professionals. Two weeks later I went back - now he's worse. Now he's on Keppra because of his history of seizures. Huh? He's never had seizures. They found him unresponsive once - sent him to the hospital, which is literally next door, they sent him back saying they could find nothing wrong. This could be the "seizure" they are basing this on. I am outraged, but they tell me this is his "new normal". They send him to a new memory care facility that I had found. But now he is always in a wheelchair, doesn't talk, has no idea who I am, won't even open his eyes. These new people have no idea what he was like, so to them, this is normal. I explain to them that it is absolutely NOT normal, and make my wishes know to wean him off Keppra. He was getting 500mg twice a day, and the NP this past Monday started 500 in AM, 250 in PM. On Wednesday he is now severely dehydrated, so he is put in the hospital. I don't know if it is the fluids, the 250mg decrease in the Keppra, or a combination, but although very thin and in a hospital bed, he is alert, talking, and knows who I am. And eating. Keppra seems like an awfully powerful drug to put someone on when the clinicians didn't know his history. To me, it honestly looked like they gave it to him to keep him quiet. He was obviously over medicated to my eyes. The NP at his new facility wants to decrease 250mg every two weeks, and from what I am reading here, seems right. Any opinions from users? Thanks for helping me out - I have learned so much from reading these kind of forums.

Jump to this post


Replies to "I am caregiver to my x-husband. He is in a memory care facility and they sent..."

Hi @cashelton
I did not experience Keppra, but I also became an ill person in my bed most of the time while taking Vimpat. Since the neurologist at that time did not want to change to another AED, I went to get a second opinion. It was very worthwhile and I have changed doctors and medication.
Stay strong! My vibrations to both of you.
Chris (Santosha)