I was wondering if anyone who is taking anti-seizure medications has experienced mood swings.
My 27 year son old suffers from brain tumour related focal seizures.h e has been taking Kepra (Levetiracetam)a year now and has had a second medication (Lacosamide / Vimpat) added following a recent prolonged seizure.
He has tolerated the Keppra well but since starting on Lacosamide, he says that he can be feeling quite happy and then suddenly very tearful and was wondering if the new medication was causing this.
If his prolonged seizures are stemming from a brain tumor, that's what should be tackled first. Any drug treatment is a temporary measure. Monotherapy. No add-ons. 2 or more drugs will definitely cause more than just "mood" swings, especially Vimpat (used less and less, it's old). Keppra should be maxed out to the full dosage before you use an add-on drug.
Get your son referred to another neurologist. Get the full picture, location + size + type of tumor. Keep the MR scans (copies of the CD + report) and get another opinion.
A brain tumor needs to be taken VERY seriously and monitored all the time as an in-patient. 90% of brain tumors can be removed. Surgery is an easier option nowadays. Don't shy away from it.
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Thank you for your reply. The tumour has and still is being treated with craniotomy, radio and chemotherapy. He is also on almost maximum amount of Keppra and seemed okay with this. It was just when the second medication was added, because they couldn't increase the Keppra further, that he seemed to start feeling the mood swings and wondered if that was the cause.
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How long has he been on chemotherapy? Why did they do a craniotony? Has part of the tumor been removed? How much Keppra is he on? The mood swings are definitey due to the add-on Vimpat. It's old, risky and has led to suicide. Get off it.
Sorry to hear your son is struggling with mood swings. His mood swings could be linked to his Vimpat. pil.2282.pdf (medicines.org.uk). We all react to drugs differently, so it’s worth checking it out with his epilepsy team. They should be able to help.
I wonder if your son would also benefit from our information on epilepsy and wellbeing. The wellbeing section explains how many people find that taking care of their wellbeing can help them
Hello Jue300.My husband has epilepsy as a result of a stroke. He is on Keppra and Lamotrigine. He too has suddenly onset tearful episodes. I'm no expert but it seems that everyone reacts differently to the medication. A balance has to be struck between the good the drug is doing and the possible side effects. Always discuss this with the epilepsy nurse or his neurologist. Best wishes to you and your son.
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