Curious about getting off Levetiracetam

[W200driver]

I apologize if this is the wrong forum to post this but I would like to know about getting off of Levetiracetam and what to expect. My doctor (and I) wants to start weaning me off of Levetiracetam. I am all for this. The side effects are unpleasant as many of you know. I haven't had a seizure in 18 months. I am currently on 1500 mg a day (500 mg morning, 1000 mg evening). I used to use marijuana regularly but stopped cold turkey 18 months ago after reading about marijuana causing epilepsy and seizures in some people. I haven't had a seizure since quitting and plan on Never using again. My Dr. wanted to start the reduction this month but I protested about the not being able to drive part of it. I have a wife with many health issues and I take care of her as well as all the driving to her many medical appointments and procedures. My Dr. and I have agreed to start the weaning off starting at the beginning of May. If I understand correctly, I will lose my driver's license for a period of time. I am very concerned about this. I am concerned about how long will I lose my license. I know it is dependent on if I do not have any seizures during the weaning off period. I need my license as I do most everything for me and my wife. Any info on this will be most welcome and appreciated.

 

[greywolf]

Hello, I am also taking levetiracetam, now at that dosage as well. I haven't considered coming off of it myself, so I can't really tell you what to expect there. I'm sure someone else can, as a lot of people seem to have bad side effects with it. Depending on where you live, the law will say whether you have to lose your license or for how long. I know where I live, any changes in medication, or decreasing dosage, the neurologist/doctor will have to report it to the local authority, and I will lose my license for 6 months. The same will happen if I have any seizure activity as well. Some places, the law might be different. Your doctor should know what the regulations are.

I know it is extremely inconvenient to lose your license. I just got my license back after a 6 month cancellation, and I am finally able to work again (my employer requires me to have a driver's license). My advice would be to see what you are going to have to deal with in regards to possible cancellation of your driver's license. If you do have to lose it for a while, it will be tough, but you can find other ways to get around and make sure things you need to do will get done. You might have to rely on public transportation, or you might be able to access some other kinds of benefits. You mentioned your wife has health issues, perhaps there are some benefits that you and her are eligible for. Where I live, there is something called a Community Shuttle which helps people with disabilities get to where they need to go. It is funded by the local government and provided by the public transportation system.

I wish you luck, and don't worry, there's always some options out there. I've found there are some great resources and information out there specifically for people like us who have epilepsy. The people here on this site are also great and very helpful!

 

[Bernard]

Congrats on 18 months seizure free. AFAIK, just weaning isn't cause for license suspension. Having a breakthrough seizure would be and the risk for that is assumed to be elevated when weaning off an AED. Most Docs want to see seizure free for 2 years before attempting any AED reduction, so your Doc must think the marijuana was a significant factor in your seizures. Good luck with the wean!

 

[W200driver]

Thank you for the replies. Just a side note, I live in CA.