I have partial seizures and have tried every medication on the market, all with bad results (until Keppra). Depakote caused me to get a life-threatening case of pancreatitis (so BE CAREFUL!); Lamictal caused bruising and migraines; Topamax & Tegretol didn't work; et cetera. Many of them made me lose/gain weight and lose hair. I thought all hope was lost until they put me on Keppra. I've not lost any hair; my appetite/weight is fine; the drowsiness has mostly worn off. I don't think it's caused much of a personality change--in fact, I feel better than I have in years, almost as good as I felt before I was diagnosed with epilepsy! I would advise anyone to try it, but as with ANY anti-epileptic drug, keep a journal, watch for side effects, and tell your doctor if you have side effects. ALL drugs cause side effects. You have to be your own advocate and decide with your doctor if the benefits outweigh the risks. In my case, Keppra has been WONDERFUL. I do wish it wasn't so expensive, though! It's like an extra car payment every month! I hope there is a plan to come up with a less expensive, generic version, or that healthcare in this country gets better... but I won't be holding my breath on that! :o) Good luck to everyone and let's hope for more research, better meds, and maybe even a cure! Published: April 23, 2008 ::

need to take vit b6 with this med... helps with mental side effects Published: November 14, 2007 ::

My husband has been on Keppra for 1 1/2 yrs and has not had any seizures,which is good because they were gran mal. His mood swings, irrational behavior, anxiety, anger are out of control and are ruining our lives. He is seeing a different Dr to find out what is going on. The seizures were bad, but this is almost worse. Please try to seek help for the side effects. We were told to take B12 for the mood swings and no blood tests have been done since he's been on it. Be very careful about drinking beer with this med, because it seems to intensify all of the side effects. Published: February 20, 2008 ::

Had no idea why I started having seizures a few years ago, but after being on Dilantin (which made the world feel about 5 mph) prescribed by my regular doc, I saw a neurologist who switched me to Keppra. Whatever you do, do not miss doses - I had a few whoppers in an hour back in September after having run out of it and waiting for my paycheck. The stuff is ridiculously expensive, but I think UCB's patent should be expiring fairly soon, so if you don't have a Rx formulary benefit/insurance, generic levetiracetam will hopefully be available stateside soon. It works, wonderfully, even. Published: November 04, 2007 ::

since i have been on this medicine for the last 8 months i feel like a different person, everyone around me has noticed and has called me on it. my husband wants me to stop taking it. i was taking 500 then increased to 1000 then 2000, i took myself back to 500 because im going to see a different dr about it. all my current dr wants to do is give me xanax, that i will not take. MY SYMPTOMS MOODY, FATIGUED, ACHY JOINTS, BACK PAIN, VERY UNHAPPY. ALSO THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED THROUGH YOUR KIDNEYS. IT IS GOOD TO DRINK LOTS OF WATER OR SO IVE HEARD.my epilepsy is so mild i think taking this medicine is worse on me than not taking it, but im scared to stop it too suddenly. im slowly weaning myself off. if the dr doesnt want me to, but ive gotta do something. it is affecting my life. Published: April 19, 2008 ::

extreme tiredness and depression while taking this medication. Published: December 29, 2007 ::

This medication was given to my husband and he had a severe hostile reaction to it. He wound up in jail for family violence. I would recommend a thorough review of all medications and interactions with medications before taking it. Published: December 28, 2007 ::

since i have been taken off dilantin and put on keppra i have been sleepy and iritable all the time. the meds work awesome but the side affects horrible. Published: November 12, 2007 ::