Med change

[Benmom]

My son has been on Carbatrol for decades and has developed osteopenia from it. We tried oxcarbazepine but he had an immediate adverse reaction that required medical attention. His Dr. is now suggesting Kepra. Has anyone tried that med and what were the results? Sharon

[Dream6]

Hi, I've been on Keppra for seven years now. My doctor recently upped my medication to 1250mg a day. So far it's been well for me. Never had any sort of reaction nor a bad one with it. I have an appt to get my EEG scan and blood work done to monitor my brain and medication levels (should do yearly). Just keep in touch with the doctor and track your records. In addition, make sure, he takes his medication on time. Inbalance of medication levels, lack of sleep, and any stress/pressure, will cause a possible seizure. Happened to me last year, which was one of the reasons why I resulted back in the hospital after 2 years epilepsy free and my doctor prescribed a higher mg. But so far I've been good. Hope this helps a little.

[Benmom in reply to Dream6]

Thank you. This is the first med of any kind that he had a severe reaction to. It was scary

[GillyA]

Hi, yes I’ve been on keppra for years. It does have side effects for some and worth talking these through with his doctor. But it’s a first choice drug now and most tolerate it very well - I’ve certainly never had any issues at all.

[ChrisLyn]

Hi there yes I’ve been on Keppra for 16 years with no concerns. I have a yearly full blood count done and all seems to be ok just keeping an eye on my neutrophils atm as the meds seems to lower this but not dangerously low. Having said that all epilepsy meds play around with your blood levels. I take extra Zinc to help with the lower neutrophil count. Hope your son gets sorted out.

[Benmom in reply to ChrisLyn]

Thanks. I will have to look up neutrophils atm as that is not something I have seen online.

[rankin1st]

Lots of people get on well with keppra my hubby didn't but now on briviact which is similar to keppra without as many side effects

[Benmom in reply to rankin1st]

May I ask what kind of side effects?

[rankin1st]

Affected his ability to rationalize but it isn't common

[Benmom in reply to rankin1st]

Thank you. I noticed that the oxycarbapazamine, in addition to making my son dizzy and vomit and raise his blood pressure also made his thinking fuzzy.

[rankin1st]

Yes they all seem to have some side effects but hopefully you'll find something suitable and that your son can tolerate

[RubySage]

my son takes Keppra twice a day. I don’t really see any side effects with his. My cousin also takes it a she says she has issues with anger. Hope this helps.

[Benmom in reply to RubySage]

Thank you. I did hear anger was an issue but my son is so reticent that maybe a little anger would stop people from walking all over him.

[Denman1]

Hello, I have been taking 3000mg Keppra for nearly 20 years and it has been a good drug for me. I think you only find out when you start taking it.