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Juvenile epilepsy: Switching from Keppra to new med. Any experience?
Hello. My 14 year old daughter has experienced two convulsive seizures and daily myoclonic jerks/ twitches. She has been taking Keppra and her symptoms are controlled but her moods are so extreme it’s like she’s a different person.
She is not willing to switch medications because the doctor has warned of increased seizure risk during a transition. Does anyone have experiences to share? Thank you
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Thank you for your reply, she is taking 100mg of B6 with each dose. I have not noticed any benefit to her moods
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2 Reactions@sg325
Regarding Kepra, I strongly recommend that your daughter considers taking Vitamin B6. Many people report significant relief from Keppra rage with B6, so it’s definitely worth trying.
Life inherently involves some risks. In my view, experiencing a seizure is a minor trade-off for the benefits of improved seizure control and a better side effect profile. While her doctor may not be certain about the likelihood of seizures during a medication change, it’s important to acknowledge that the risk does increase. However, the method in which the doctor manages the switch plays a crucial role in determining the degree of that risk.
Take care,
Jake
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3 Reactions@hassankusow
Good Morning
I just remembered a movie that might be helpful to you. It is called "First Do No Harm," starring Meryl Streep. It tells the true story of a child who was cured of his epilepsy using the Ketogenic Diet. It is available for free on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch
I am also sending you a link to the Charlie Foundation with some more details on this movie and about this foundation: https://charliefoundation.org/tims-story-first-do-no-harm/ ; https://charliefoundation.org/about-the-charlie-foundation-for-ketogenic-therapies/
Keto Diet can cure epilepsy in children. So there is hope for your child!
Chris (@santosha)
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2 ReactionsI am very sorry that your family is having to deal with this. This group is an excellent place for support and education. The Mayo Clinic and Epilepsy Foundation websites are two other sources to learn more about seizure disorders.
Video a seizure and show it to an epileptologist specializing in childhood seizures for a full evaluation.
I pray you find a "quick fix" and this gets behind you fast. Stay positive, you'll get there.
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4 ReactionsYes, if you haven’t already, please try to get your child evaluated at an epilepsy center and one which studies epilepsy in children. Depending upon where you live, this may not be easy, but I think that, it will lead to more effective treatment for your child. And likely save you time and worry in the long run.
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4 Reactions@hassankusow
Hi, Good Evening
I understand you are new here. Be very welcome to this very supportive group at Mayo Clinic Connect where members help one another and we learn a great deal together.
I am very sorry to hear about your child, and I can imagine how hard this has been for you.
What kind of doctor has been treating your child: neurologist or epileptologist? Are all his seizures convulsions?
Please tell us more so that we can offer you our helping hand.
Kind regards,
Chris
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3 Reactions@hassankusow
Good afternoon,
What type/s of seizures is he having. Is he on any antiseizure medication?
If so, has it helped?
Take care,
Jake
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3 ReactionsHello, 4year old child with serzure about not more than 2 minutes and stops,in aday like 2 to 4times aday.was started 4 months ago
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2 Reactions