I am on phenytoin and keppra.since taking the keppra I have been very fed up.anyone had this feeling with this med?

[Pb1958]

[JSJ58]

I have been on Keppra for a number of years. I have moticed since taking this medication I have suffered bouts of feeling fed up and looking at life in a negative manner. After a lot of visits to my GP and talking about it with my neurologist I was finally sent for CBT. It certainly isn't a magic cure , I still have times when I feel things are getting on top of me but it has helped me to feel I'm a little more in control and these incidents are fewer. As it has reduced the number of fits I suffer from and in the end was a balance of one against the other. Not easy for you, I know, but try to take an overview and remember that medications often take a while to get used to. I hope things get better for you.

Good luck.

[Chimbelina]

My son switched from Epilim to Keppra a few months ago. He also takes Lamictal. To start with he became a very angry person. He felt uncomfortable in his own skin. He didn't like who he was and had angry out bursts. He was so irritable and you could 'see' the extreme discomfort he was in. Gradually. as his body got used to it, this settled down and there was a small improvement in his energy levels. (He also suffers badly from chronic fatigue) He is generally not too bad now although remains more irritable than previously and has bouts of negativity. He is starting CBT to give him some psychological tools to help him manage his illnesses positively. The doctor warned us that this could happen but to give it time and stick with it. However if you begin to have suicidal thoughts (which apparently can happen) go to your doctor immediately. Make sure your friends and family are aware of the side effects so that they can support you through this. Hope this helps.

[Hidden]

Hi pb

You have some pretty good advice so far. Worth listening too. I switched from Epilim to Keppra as of November, December last year. Slowly reduced one and introduced the other. I remember the discussion with my Neurologist at the time. Was given warnings of possible mood swings, feelings of anger or frustration, might be more irritable and short tempered. To be honest though the worst part for me was introducing the new meds whilst taking the others. The switch couldn't have happened fast enough. I was so tired during the day that I needed adrenaline in the form of Coke (other sugar acid filled drinks are available for advertising purposes lol) but this meant that I was feeling so pumped up at the end of the day I couldn't sleep. Leading to more tiredness the next day. When I finally stopped dual meds and was left with just the Keppra it was a blissful relief. For me, the Keppra was more affective at a lower dose than the Epilim was on the highest! I did feel moments when I was more short tempered and also when I just didn't want to talk to anyone. Luckily I work with people that knew my condition and I coached them to look out for any signs of me acting out of character if they saw it they told me and I reviewed it and dealt with it. Self awareness is the key to managing any condition, this one included. I often felt so tired that I was fed up, despondent and in despair of my Epilepsy. But for me it was the fact I was tired and couldn't keep the barriers up between coping and feeling lost. But I reminded myself daily it didn't feel like this before and won't feel like this forever. The balance restored and I felt good again. Ultimately I felt better because I persevered and made a change that was positive but most importantly because with the help of my friends I managed the worse of the change and came out the other side. Know yourself and let others know you too. Listen to friends and let them be your inner voice when you don't feel up to it yourself. Best of luck with the meds, with the Epilepsy and with everything. We are all here if you need any help.

GM

[Pb1958]

Many thanks for the advice all of you have given. This has helped me to realise I am not the only one feeling like this. I have visited my gp about my concerns today and have been advised to try nytol as an aid to getting a better nights sleep. Going to give it a try but will see how it goes.

[sunshine6]

I did not realize this was a side effect. I am on that and dilantin as well. I am also going through menopause. Anyone have ideas on how to calm down?