Migraine

Dr. K just changed me to Keppra because insurance will not cover my Vimpat. I mentioned that I had been experiencing increased depression and he doesn't think it's from any of my meds.

So, then I read about Keppra (sometimes the internet is a blessing and other times a curse). All the side effect information warns about depression and suicidal ideation. So now I'm hesitant to try it even though I really trust Dr. Krusz.

The thing is that I have had significant battles with depression in the past and am on 60 mg Prozac and have seen a therapist for years. Everything has been going so well! Unfortunately, or fortunately as the case may be, I am great at hiding my depression. I function pretty well until I go home and crash! But I hate the feeling! I've stayed at home in bed today because of the depression.

I know I'm safe as suicide is not something I'd ever follow through on, but I hate walking around with this stinking cloud hanging over me. It's been so long since I've felt this way!! Everything is going well in my life - it is brain chemistry pure and simple. I'm putting lots of positive things in place to deal with the depression, but as many of you know it can be an exhausting fight.

So.... what have your experiences been with Keppra? My plan for right now is to assume that it won't cause any problems and take it - monitoring to see if there are increased symptoms and calling Dr. K if there are.

So for now I'll be like the teapot who is up to it's neck in hot water, but whistling away!

Choosing to find peace & joy in the storm -

Cyn

Hi Cyn,

Yep, I agree, the internet is both a blessing and a curse. Sometimes it's so hard to just stop reading everyone's horror stories about one medication or another but I figure it's like customer service. When a customer is happy they tell 10 people but when they are mad they tell 100. (Does that make sense? It does in my Migraine fighting brain)

I was on Keppra for awhile back in 2006, I think it was. I didn't really see any improvement while I was on it but it was also before I was seeing Dr. K and I never really increased my dose. The only adverse side effect I had was irritability although I don't think I gave the med long enough to know if that would have gone away over time. I never had any suicidal thoughts or anything like that.

I wish you lots of luck with it and like you said, just keep a watchful eye on your emotions.

Well, keppra is an anti-seizure medication, and has the same potential serious side effects the other anti-seizure meds do. The info on drugs.com says that Keppra sometimes triggers psychological problems, including psychosis, hallucinations, aggression, agitation, anger, irritability, anxiety, emotional instability, depression, and attempted suicide among others. These issues may resolve themselves, as you take the medication longer.

I would contact your doctor again, and have another conversation so he is aware that it is the medication (if in fact you think it is) and A) can live with it for a bit to see if they (Side effects) go away, or B) you just can't take them any longer.

What do you think?

For starters, I think that you're strong just to choose to get up and do something rather than just take it lying down. Keppra is something my mom takes, she has a seizure disorder, and too much of it makes her catatonic. Too litte of it makes her seize, right now she's on the median where it's not bad, but it's not terribly good eitheir. I think that if you feel like you're depressed and you think it's because of Keppra, get off of it. You are the only one who knows how you feel.
Good luck.

I just started with a new migraine specialist and he started me on Keppra.
(I've been on Topamax for 4yrs but my migraines have not been under control for a couple years- and I've been having constant migraine for 6months. Neuro raised the question whether Topamax was the right preventative for me anymore if I'm having constant migraines...great point! So we've added Keppra, hopefully no adverse reactions, and in 10days will start walking off the Topamax. We'll see what happens.)

I'll definitely be mindful of these potential side effects y'all have mentioned.

I was wondering if anyone knew or had suggestions what time of day to take Keppra? Right now I'm starting with 1 dose of 500mg. With some of the side effects you've mentioned, do the effects vary depending on when you take your dose? Is it better to take to it at evening or bedtime if slowing down, catatonic, depressive effects are possible?

Thanks for any suggestions y'all could offer!

Best of luck to all!

Wish I could help you Allison! I ended up not going on the Keppra, although that's certainly a possibility in the future. Can you call your doctor's office and get their advice for when to take it or maybe ask the pharmacist?

Good luck,

Cyn

Cyn,
I guess I'm really lucky in that my insurance covered my Vimpat...even multiple rx's- titrating me up to the full dose.

I tried Keppra for 3 months. Zero side effects for me. Zero results too... but, that's another story. Don't freak at the potential side effects- I mean, if you read the potential negatives on aspirin, one might never try that one again either.


If you can have someone check on you when you start the new med, that will give you a level of comfort to know that if things are bad, you can have that person be there for you. Of course, we're here for you on the forum... and count us as more friends who will hold your hand. If you DO have someone in your city, that would be also beneficial.

I had a SEVERE rxn to Lamictal- suicidal ideation- and Dr K pulled me off that before you could say another word. The staff got him on the phone IMMEDIATELY when they heard what was going on- it was an emergency, and he treated it as such. Don't be afraid. He's got your back.

Hugs galore,

Jamie

Allison-

This sounds like a great question for your doc. Have you started it yet? If you're getting draggy, or tired, it may be best for you to try it at night. But- no one here is qualified to tell you what to do. Are there directions on your Rx label, or on the educational materials that came with it?

If you haven't started it, you might want to wait until you catch up with a medical professional- best case scenario, your doc- I know it stinks to have to wait till monday. If you HAVE started it, the pharmacist might be a good bet.

When I was on a higher dose, I was taking it both AM and PM. Just my experience though... It sounds like you need to know what your doctor was thinking is best for YOU!

Good luck!

Jamie