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[mike86]

hi my name is mike im 26, i learned i had epilepsy in jan 10 i had several through the night and saw a dr the next day, i was put on dilantin for a while but im a mechanic and the tremors affected my work so i was put on keppra,( the generic) was on that for a long time then switched to the xr version but the seizures never really stopped, when it happens my left hand tingles and the left side of my face and starting to affect my mouth and throat. im fully aware of whats going on but i just cant take it anymore, so my ques is how should i take it? im on 2000mg i take both when i wake up, and is (keppra) better than the generic? my side effects are basically all the above, headaches, depression, numbness in left hand, mood swings, anger issues, and im here asking cuz my dr never really gives me straight answers and is the only one around. thanks for any help you may be able to give me.

 

[LisaBee]

Keppra didnt help us at all. Mood swings, irritability, sleepiness and the seizures didnt stop. The Dr we had here was awful so we actually had to go to a nearby city. Sounds like you have been on Keppra long enough to notice a difference so maybe you need to suggest to your neuro a med increase/switch or get a second opinion elsewhere. Hope things start getting better for you soon!

 

[Nakamova]

Hi mike86, welcome to CWE!

I agree with LisaBee, you should pursue other options -- new meds (and there are plenty out there to try), and definitely a new neurologist if this one is giving you the runaround. Epilepsy is bad enough without the doctors making things worse.

Best,
Nakamova

 

[mike86]

thanks, ive been on it for close to two years and about 3 months ago was goin to work (on my bike) and felt it coming on and pulled over just in time, as soon as i did i dropped it and had a full seizure, when i came to there were people standing all around me. thats when he increased it from 1000 to 2000. but no it doesnt really controll it at all, i cant really remember what they said i had, but he said it wasnt bad and it was very rare, but im just at my wits end with it, theres no point in takin this stuff if its not going to do anything to help me.

 

[jyearta]

I couldn't tolerate Keppra.

It has always taken two meds. to get my seizures controlled my seizures for,the most part.

I would try another Dr./Neur.- it sounds like this one is not listening to you.

 

[LisaBee]

I agree, Mike! Makes no sense to take one that doesnt help! You have to be your strongest advocate and demand a med switch or find a Neuro thats willing to help you. Thats hat we did. The second Dr has a crappy personality but she did one test, got a diagnosis and the first med she gave us seems to work well. I was so glad to get rid of Keppra. You dont have to suffer so much. Wish you the best!

 

[mike86]

sorry havent been able to get on, but im guna go to see another dr soon and see what i can get done.

 

[LisaBee]

Glad to hear that! Keep us posted! Good luck!

 

[Intothatendlessblue]

Hi Mike!

I'd love hear how things do with switching your medication. Keppra has some odd side effects. I'm getting up there with my own dosage so I understand your frustration. I hope everything works out for you. Let us know how things go!

-Mary

 

[Georgie B]

Hi! I was also on keppra and it messed me up!! I too experienced major headaches and I'm still having them to this day! I also have bad depression! I too am I mechanic but ATM I am seizure free but work is still hard. The depression is driving me mad but I'll get there . My epilepsy specialist put me on tegretol I'm still getting over the side effects but go to your dr! Make sure they fix you!! Don't leave the drs until you get some answers !! you'll get there!! X

 

[marty]

hello ! i would get another opinion , i was in hospital and the head nurse was brilliant the doc had me on kepra and she changed me to tegretol and for me it was a massive change for the good .