After researching this medication and the serious side effects - Stevens Johnson syndrome, Im not keen on taking it.
Not sure what to do?
Neuro said to increase it slowly and decrease Keppra gradually 250mg at a time. But im on 750mg keppra and havent been given 250mg's so how does she expect me to decrease gradually?
Hia there Dawn. I’d say try not to be too alarmed by that syndrome, it’s very rare indeed. As you will know the side-effect list of almost ANY drug and not just epilepsy drugs make very worrying reading but mercifully most are rare and the real chance that a drug might make you better is nearly always worth the risk of having side effects. My opinion anyway. Ask the neuro maybe about their experience of other patients getting that syndrome? And if the worse should happen how bad would it be and what to do to minimise the effects. Good luck with your appointment, I always find them very stressful but can make a real difference if it’s a productive one.
Hi again Michael.
I dont do myself any favours by googling things and looking at the worst what could happen, but with Lamotrigine it says it can lead to Toxic Epidermal Necrosis which is very frightening. Also changing from one med to another can cause problems. And the side effects are the same as Keppra, but these last couple of weeks when I have been agitated and ready to blow, I find that i can control it and so have learned how to keep agression at bay.
Hia again, if it’s any comfort I am having my Lamotrigine increased and I asked how high might I go. She said up to 500mg a day side effects are rare and for that reason 600mg is as high as she prescribes. Obviously that’s a high dose and nowhere near where you would start so presumably risk or side effects is likewise lower?
lamictal is evil took for a long time and had the worse side effects possible i was on 200 /200 doctor would help me come off it had to do it on my own
Hi Polly, what type of seizures do you have. Did the Lamictal help with control? What medication have you switched to to replace the Lamictal? My son has been prescribed Lamictal and is currently on both Lamictal and Keppra. Keppra doesn’t work for him on its own. Would love to hear some positive stories and recommendations.
Hi Dawn,
We are on week 5 of the move over to Lamictal and the only noticeable side effect is tiredness in the morning for the first week or so after the increase- as long as they go slow with the titration you should be fine a very small percentage will only be affected by the rash from what I have read. I would say just be mindful of the side affects but don’t dwell on them too much as it can cause more stress at an already stressful time. Maybe the Neurologist should have prescribed you more medication at the correct doses worth checking with them.
All the best.
Sorry I was referring to the Keppra at the end of my comment. The dosing of the Lamictal seems to be the same process as we have followed up to 50mg x 2 a day now.
I know what u meant regarding keppra 😉. I'll have to contact her or call down to the clinic. Thanks for your help and I hope you are keeping well.
heya,
for sure just get your prescription into a different assortment, either some 500tabs and 250 tabs or all 250 tabs.
Lamotrigine/Lamictal is becoming in general a neurologist s favourite for its low side effect profile/ risk benefit ratio.
You can get SJS and TEN from things that aren't medication as well. But as peeps say all this is rare, and a rash would appear for sometime prior. So try not to worry.
all the
ok thank you. Will see what own doc do.
Kepra 1250mg, Newly diagnosed, epilepsy 
Rapid increase prescribed for Lamectil 
Changing medications 
