Keppra - Epilepsy Message Board

Greenteaeffect · 04-08-2005, 02:19 PM

I have been taking Keppra for a week now, for absence seizures. But I'm so tired!

I nod off when driving my car and my body just feels dead all the time. I absolutely cannot stand this side effect.

Is this something my body just needs to get used to? I don't want to walk around like a zombie forever. Is there anything I can do to alleviate this?

bettyst · 04-08-2005, 03:10 PM

I think your body needs to adjust to the meds but if you are still this way after a few more weeks you might want to call the doctor.
Betty

Travis from MN · 04-08-2005, 06:39 PM

I'd say adjustment to keppra even once you reach your destination can last a good month for the sideFX. I'm not trying to scare you; but being realistic. Sleep, moody, the "KeppRAGE" episodes. Those are the more common sideFX. 3-4 weeks it may take for them to recind.

I'll say this; don't let your Doc put you ABOVE recomended max dose (3000mg/day is max dose). I had problems when they tried me on 4000. Depression, felt unsafe alone, VERY HIGH drug levels, slight groggyness. The symptoms went away within 24 hours once my dose was reduced... that was AFTER 6 weeks of being at 4000. My Doc claiming my symptoms were "no problem, they would go away". (yah right!)

Thats why I warn people not to go over 3000/day. I have no problems at 3000 mg with other meds at the same time.

SOME PEOPLE do have problems with the increase of Keppra. They tend to need to be increased with 250mg. Sometimes 125 (split the 250's). When symptoms show up thats the indication that the patient can't go any higher usually... You MAY try increasing it a few weeks later and see if the same symptoms happen again. If so; that means you have reached your limit on Keppra and can't take higher. So stop where you are!!

They tend to love maxing patients out at 3000... I know this from myself and a few other friends. One who could NOT reach that dose and only could reach less than (17xx or so I can't recall the exact dose)

--Travis

Greenteaeffect · 04-09-2005, 07:16 AM

Thanks.

I take 250mg twice a day. I don't think they're going to up my dosage at all. This is probably where I'm going to stay at.

Odd question:

I have a very small body. Will the 250mg effect me differently when compared with, say, a larger woman taking the same dose? I mean, even if the dosage is very small (compared with the 3000mg/day), will it be more "concentrated" in my body because of my low weight? I don't know much about drugs. Just curious really.

I got about 6 hours of sleep the other night, and when I went home after nodding off in the car, I slept for another 5 hours. I was practically comatose. I'm trying to get more sleep during the night. Hopefully that will help some.

curse · 04-09-2005, 07:35 AM

I take 3000 mg a day & weighed in @ 109 when I saw my Dr. last month. I've always weighed btw 110-115 & probably will until the day I die.
Like others said your body will get accustomed to Keppra, so bear w/ it. I was dog tired for about 6 months.