Keppra and Irratibility

[momdealingwithkeppra]

my 7 year duaghter has Nocturnal Complex Partial seizures and has been on Keppra liquid for 1 year now.  they just increased her dose to 8 ml in the am and 10 ml in the pm.  she has been extremely grumpy, irritable and very down in the slumps.  Has anybody else experienced this?  the Dr. thinks that she should talk to a Shrink, but I think it all has to do with the medication as she is normally a very happy, loving and caring girl...now she is very pessimistic on EVERYTHING!!!  I don't know what to do and I know that this is not my child's normal behavior...I feel so bad for her and feel guilty for having her to take this medication and feel like this on a day to day basis....any insight from anybody???

[momdealingwithkeppra]

She takes B6 along with her multi vitamin every day...i am still searching for the B6 liquid so it will be easier to take ...I think the B6 helps alot and i also read that fish oil REALLY helps with the brain and especially for people who have siezures and other brain disorders, but i cannot get a clear answer from the past 2 Dr.s on whether or not she should take this...It is just so hard to deal with sometimes, that i am willing to try ALMOST anything to take away the grumpiness and mood swings...thanks for your insight

[becky808]

I read something on rxlist about moodswings and irritibility related to Keppra. It's believed that Keppra makes your brain "dump" Vitamin B6 at times which lowers dopamine or seratonin levels and makes you feel horrible.

Does your daughter take vitamins? I'd try some Vitamin B6 if her multivitamin doesn't contain it. I started taking Trader Joe's High Potency vitamins and feel much, much better since starting.

Good luck. I do think it's the Keppra causing her problems though (from a mom and a keppra patient).

[becky808]

I also take Keppra. It takes my appetite away completely. I also get very grumpy and irritable at times (especially in the evening). It seems to be related to not eating as much though (for me).

Keppra has fewer side effects than many other seizure medications, but irritability and depression are definitely listed side effects. For your Dr to completely dismiss it as a side effect is rather strange to me. I would probably want a 2nd opinion.