keppra and weight gaim

[birdy870]

i take 3000 mg of keppra and 600 mg of tegratol a day,)not a typo) still not fully seizure free and am having alot of dizzy spells.which i was told by my neuro that it was vertigo due to the pollen in the air.  can all this med make me gain weight. not a little person , but have gain about 20 pounds in the last month or so. wating or exercise habbits have not changed. could it be the meds.

[Dr Santos]

Hi birdy870,

How are you? Keppra’s main component Levetiracetam, indicated for seizure. It can be taken orally, swallowed with a sufficient quantity of liquid and may be taken with or without food. Drug reaction to the body can be any of the following: fatigue, headache, and dizziness, balance disorder, disturbance in attention, nervousness, irritability, abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting, AND yes, weight increase or anorexia.
You can learn more about this through this link:
http://www.mims.com/Page.aspx?menuid=mng&brief=false#Overdosage

Tegretol, onther other hand is also indicated for seizure. The main component is Carbamazepine. Drug reaction to the body can be: dizziness, ataxia, fatigue, drowsiness, skin reactions, headache, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, edema, fluid retention, AND increased weight.  More information about this drug can be found in this link:
http://www.mims.com/Page.aspx?menuid=mng&name=Tegretol+LA+film-coated+tab&h=tegretol

If you are bothered by the weight gain, you can always go to your doctor and ask for alternative medications.

I hope this helps. Take care and regards.

[kimE1970]

Hi birdy-my son  has been on tegretol for his epilepsy- he gained 20 lbs in less than 1month, and had bouts of dizziness; we discontinued tegretol because of these unbearable side effects, we tried many more meds until we found keppra, which has been a blessing! Seizure control and no adverse side effects! My point is birdy, there are many other meds out there, if you aren't happy with the way you are feeling on your current meds talk to your dr about trying something different, and if your dr doesn't want to help you-find one that will. Good Luck-kimE