New to all this.... Help and understanding needed.

[1968ade]

Hi all

My 17 year old son has recently been diagnosed with Absence Epilepsy. He's had an EEG and an MRI scan, we have an appointment with hi consultant in 5weeks time. Following his first appointment he was put on Levetiracetam, building the dose up to 500mg twice a day. In the past week or so I've seen a massive change in his general mood (not just general teenage stuff) he's told me he's struggling and gets very low moods with suicidal thoughts. Is this fairly common for this medication? Any advice would be great. Hopefully we have a general doctor's appointment during this week but not with the consultant.

Ade.

[EpilepsyAction1 Partner Epilepsy Action]

Dear 1968ade

Your son feeling this way must be so distressing for you both. It is important for him to talk to his doctors about this.

Keppra can as a side-effect cause psychiatric disorder. This may include depression, hostility, aggression, anxiety, irritability, abnormal behaviour, anger. If his doctor thinks it maybe his Keppra causing his behaviour they can only try change him to another epilepsy medicine to see if his behaviour changes. If the family doctor isn’t able to do this, you could asked them to contact your son’s neurologist.

I wonder if there is an epilepsy nurse, you could talk to. If you let me know which hospital your son attends I will look for you. If you wish to keep this information private please email me at [e-mail]

Regards

Diane

Epilepsy Action Helpline Team