Weight gain while talking Keppra & Klonnopin?

[mac1]

Has anyone expreienced gaining weight while taking Keppra and Klonnopin? My 11 year old has gained 15 pounds in the last 2 months. Something is slowing down his metabolism. Any thoughts?

[travel bug]

Hello mac, and welcome!

I think you'll find lots of helpful information and get lots of support on this forum; many here are very knowledgeable and everyone is caring.

I, unfortunately, am not that knowledgeable, and certainly not about how anti-epileptic meds affect children. I take Keppra though, and never had a direct weight gain effect. However, Keppra (and I think Klonopin as well) can make you drowsy and sap your energy. That sleepiness and lack of energy makes me less active which makes me put on weight.

Unless your son has dramatically lessened his activity level, it doesn't seem likely that that would be the cause of his weight gain.

I think it would definitely be worthwhile to talk to your son's doctor. If you can't get a hold of the doctor, see if you can talk to a knowledgeable pharmacist in the mean time. They are usually more accessible and have more time to talk than doctors.

I wish you and your son all the best!

[Endless]

Hi, Mac,

I gained weight when I was on Keppra. In my case it's because Keppra stole my "off" button. I ate too much, spent too much - everything was wayyyyyyy too much. Keep an eye on his other behaviors, too, because Keppra can pop up in other ways.

[valeriedl]

I can't remember exactally which meds I was on when these happened, but with one I hardly ate a thing. All I pretty much did was sleep. My neurologist changed my meds and I got better.

However on another all I did was eat. I don't remember how much weight I had gained but I know that I had to go out and buy new clothes because nothing would fit. My husband was trying to help me watch what I was eating, but I'd just wait for him to go to bed and eat almost half a gallon of ice cream (no lie).

I know that I was on Keppra but I don't remember if it was the one that caused one of these side effects.

[Nakamova]

I lost weight on one anti-epileptic drug, gained weight on another. anti-epileptic drugs can definitely mess with appetite and metabolism in unpredictable ways. If your 11-year-old has gained that much weight that fast, I would definitely be suspicious about the meds. Definitely talk to your son's doc/neurologist.