My thoughts on Keppra
After my first seizure the doc started me on Keppra only - started at 1000 mg and boosted 500 mg at a time. Checked the EEG to see if electrical activity was reduced, which was his hope. Side effects were horrible for the first month or so, and each time we upped the dosage, but my body eventually adjusted. It was very hard. We started on the generic - awful. Once we switched to XR, things improved a great deal.
EEG continued to be abnormal at 2000 mg - doc suggested we try a different med. I did my research and knew that the theraputic range was up to to 3000 (even higher, as the survey indicates). Since my body was adjusting, and since he was going to go to Depakote next, which I didn't want to do, I suggested we go up to 3000 before we switch. At 3000 my EEG came back almost normal (a little blip when I hyperventilate). Yay Keppra! A year later I had a second seizure, and we added the Topomax (after experimenting with Depakote and I gained about 30 pounds), and so far so good.
The point about Keppra - the generic for some is difficult to handle. The XR seems to be much easier on the body from what I've read in forums. I wanted to quit the drug, but I also wanted to drive again, so I stuck it out, and the switch to XR made all the difference. As I am looking at a lifetime of meds, I consider myself lucky to have found Keppra. Yes, I have mild mood swings, and I still have my zombie moments, and adding the Topomax on top of that hasn't helped, but I'm living a normal life and I am grateful. Doesn't mean it's for everybody - just wanted to share my point of view because other people's stories have helped me get through mine.
On 3000 mg Keppra XR for about 2 years now. 200 mg Topomax for about 6 months.