Side effects from Keppra?

Posted by annabcd @annabcd, Mar 6, 2023

This is about my husband. He started having seizure like episodes four months ago once or twice a month that lasted 5-20 minutes. After trying to convince doctors these weren't anxiety attacks they did an EEG which was interrupted by a seizure like episode. They immediately got him on Keppra without confirming epilepsy and since then he's been completely out of it, has memory loss, slurs his speech, uneven pupils sometimes and others he smells something burning, cough, panic, sees flashing lights and colors,loses contact with the environment and more. He has stopped taking it since Saturday morning and he's much more conscious but still had episodes mostly with his head hurting, panic, burning smell and getting super sleepy when this happens. Memory is getting better.

Does anyone know if all of these are normal as far as bad side effects of keppra go and if so when they will go away?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Epilepsy & Seizures Support Group.

keppraeffect | @keppraeffect | Oct 31, 2023

In reply to @keppraeffect "Anyone out there having loose stool or diarrhea from Levetiracetam ?" + (show)

Thanks for responding Lynda, Any other problems with Keppra (I am using the generic).
I have had good luck with it except for loose stool, I have been taking it for 8 years (+-) and never really noticed that it may be the cause of the problem. Had some stress recently and it got worse....raging diarrhea.
I have been taking paxil for 20 years and thought it may be the problem. Went to my doctor and we decided I could do without paxil better than the keppra....so i started reducing my paxil. Big mistake....raging anxiety, sweats, chills, sleep problems. Started back on the paxil (higher dose) a little better today. Hopefully I can switch to a different anti-seizure under a nurologist suppervision? What are you using and has it been successful?

lynda1992 | @lynda1992 | Oct 31, 2023

In reply to @keppraeffect "Anyone out there having loose stool or diarrhea from Levetiracetam ?" + (show)

I experienced loose stools/diarrhea the entire time I was taking Keppra. And I was only taking half the prescribed dosage. Keppra is not the wonder drug that it's made out to be!

Cher | @question7 | Oct 30, 2023

In reply to @keppraeffect "Anyone out there having loose stool or diarrhea from Levetiracetam ?" + (show)

I'm not sure of cause, but I been taking Levetiracetam for years to prevent seizures and am now having trouble with very loose stools and MUCH MORE. Tests are now showing this drug has many serious side-effects. I am waiting for my appointment with a new neurologist to get off of this. One must slowly get off. DO NOT stop taking without doctors help. YOU MUST BE WEANED.

keppraeffect | @keppraeffect | Oct 30, 2023

Anyone out there having loose stool or diarrhea from Levetiracetam ?

salpal01 | @salpal01 | Mar 29, 2023

In reply to @lyhay1973 "Hello, I am wondering if anyone has any suggestions on how to help deal with side..." + (show)

Keppra can interfer with your potassium levels. I had a blood test done and my levels were really low so I was put onto a potassium supplement and I feel brilliant.It took about a month to work but it has changed my life. I also suffer fron tinnitus.How do I get rid of that?

Chris Gautier, Volunteer Mentor | @santosha | Mar 27, 2023

In reply to @lyhay1973 "Hello, I am wondering if anyone has any suggestions on how to help deal with side..." + (show)

Hi @chercairns
I am very sorry about your sister. I can not help you much with Keppra as I have not taken it. But I am sure others will be able to help you with that.
As to signing up for Mayo Clinic Connect, on this page you can choose in which groups you want to participate.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/
Did I answer your questions regarding signing up? If not, feel free to contact me.
Santosha

smokry777 | @smokry777 | Mar 27, 2023

In reply to @chercairns "@smokry777 can you tell me if Keppra made you have highs and lows to the extreme?..." + (show)

Only 1 seizure in 28 years? What type of epilepsy does she have? Is medication really needed. How old is she and does she have any other medical conditions? I need more information in order to try to answer your questions. Thanks, Brad

chercairns | @chercairns | Mar 26, 2023

In reply to @smokry777 "Great question. After surgery they had me at 3000mg/day and said I would be taking it..." + (show)

@smokry777 can you tell me if Keppra made you have highs and lows to the extreme? My sister started to take it because she had one seizure in 28 years. I really don’t think she needs it. Was on 500 mg I finally convinced her Dr to lower it in have. One minute she’s as happy as can be the next very irritated. She’s mentally delayed so hard for her to explain what she feels like. She also has been forgetting things which was one thing about her was her great memory. I don’t know how to sign up on here. Maybe you could help me. My name is Cher Cairns thank you 😊

Chris Gautier, Volunteer Mentor | @santosha | Mar 22, 2023

In reply to @smokry777 "You get it and will continue on, just stay focused and remember what you are trying..." + (show)

Thank you for those encouraging words, Brad!!!
As I have shared her with the group, my epilepsy has also brought positive experiences into my life. I have learned so much!!! Here is the link, in case you are interested.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/positive-experiences-through-epilepsy/
Have a good day!
Santosha

smokry777 | @smokry777 | Mar 21, 2023

In reply to @lyhay1973 "Hello, I am wondering if anyone has any suggestions on how to help deal with side..." + (show)

You get it and will continue on, just stay focused and remember what you are trying to accomplish. If you don't like the effects of a medication find something else. Just like your career change, enjoy it. Thumbs up for you.
Brad