Almost all medications can involve some sort of side effects. This is no different when it comes to antiepileptic medications. Some side effects of Levetiracetam (generic Keppra) can be good, such as it may stop or reduce the number of migraines.
Still, other side effects can suck, big time.
First, let me say I am not a “morning person.” Yet this morning I woke up at 5am, wide awake! One of the side effects from my Levetiracetam is vivid dreams. So far none have been nightmares. Usually they are dreams that make me say, “hmm, that was weird,” when I awaken. They are all very vivid and realistic. This morning’s dream was one that came from memories in my past and left me feeling a bit uncomfortable. Hence the reason I decided to get up and make coffee rather than try to go back to sleep.
Another side effect I’ve been noticing more increasingly is hair loss. It seems every time I brush my hair or wash my hair I am seeing an increase of hair left in my brush or comb. Uhg. I’m not going to go bald, I don’t have any bare patches, but it’s still a bit frustrating to see. That’s just my own struggle with vanity I suppose. The hair loss should taper off after I’ve been on the Levetiracetam for about six months or so. It’s all just a part of my body getting used to the medication.
The dizziness and lack of coordination have gotten tons better already! I’m happy about that. It’s no fun standing up and suddenly having the room spin, or walking across the room only to find you’re beginning to tip sideways into the wall, or even tripping over your own feet. That was driving me a little crazy as I am not the most coordinated person in the first place!
I am also no longer zombie like. I don’t feel totally exhausted and out of it all day. I really believe taking the 100mg of vitamin B6 with my morning Levetiracetam helped with that.
All of those side effects are not-so-bad in my opinion and well worth it when it comes to preventing my generalized tonic-clonic seizures. So I’ll stick with my Levetiracetam as long as it seems to be keeping my seizures controlled and as long as I don’t develop some of the more dangerous possible side effects.
If you are placed on an antiepileptic drug my advice to you is not to give up on the meds during the first few weeks if you experience similar side effects as I have. Give your body time to adjust, odds are it will and the side effects will subside. However, if you experience some of the more severe side effects that are possible with these medications, do not hesitate to call your neurologist or epileptologist and discuss it right away.
Hugs to all,
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