How Long Should Keppra Be Taken After Getting Seizure?

Posted on Mon, 22 Jun 2015

Question: Do I have to continue taking prescribed Keppra (generic brand) if all of many tests over a couple years were negative? The so-called seizures were witnessed by one person. I want to detox from all medications. Thank you.
All of these medications are from the VA. And, only because I told the Doctor what the witness told me.

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (29 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Can be stopped after analysing the actual situation

Detailed Answer:
Hello
You have not mentioned since when you are on keppra. The antiepileptics drugs duration depends upon cause of seizure and in only few cases it has to be given lifelong.
You also mentioned that you have seizure only one time. The guidelines for treatment in single seizure is not clear and starting of drugs is usually done after discussing with patient and analysing risk benefit ratio.
Only few conditions are there in which drug has to be started from first seizure.
Please also provide the reports of eeg and Mri brain.
You can get back to me with all these details.
I am here to help you.
Wishing good health to you.
Regards
Dr Neeraj Kumar
Neurologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Neeraj Kumar (4 hours later)

The witness is my husband and he said I had 2 "big ones" in 2008/9. He said I have others, but I am unaware of any other. In these last 5/6 years, have had 3 MRIs, several CT scans/angiogram, 2 EEGs and all are negative(no acute pathology). I also have Fibromyalgia and many major surgeries, i.e., 2 back surgeries, total hysterectomy, carpel tunnel, bladder tuck, knee surgery, gall bladder removal, depression and other illnesses. And, a lot of added stress in the present. They tried Neurontin on me for year 2012-2014 and resulted me having blackouts and sleeping a lot. I was having serious neuropothies until the Lyrica. I stopped having them so I tapered off Lyrica. I also have acute anxiety disorder, and VA gives me diazepam 5 mg when needed.
I just don't want to continue taking medication if I don't have to. What would happen if I just stopped? I was taking 500mg Levetiracetam 3Xs/day. For the last 2 wks, I have gradually decreased to 1 pill per day.

Could it be the combination of all meds?

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (59 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Don't stop medication by yourself consult doctor

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX,
I have gone through your question. Your seizure episode have been by witnessed by your husband.
As according to him you had multiple episodes then medications was required. If all the investigation comes negative that means you are suffering from idiopathic epilepsy. In many patients all the work up is negative even then we have to give antiepileptics.
Now duration of treatment. Usually drugs are gradually tapered and stopped if no seizure recurrence occurs for more than 2-3 years. But if it occurs in between you have to still continue it.
Keppra is a good drug as far as it's effectiveness and side effects are concerned.
I would advise you not to stop drug on your own. If there has been enough gap as mentioned since the last episode you can discuss with your doctor and get the drug tapered slowly over 3-4 months.
One query about the type of seizure you are having.
Is it only generalized tonic clonic seizure or sometime myoclonic jerks,
Any history of partial seizure, autonomic features or premonition symptoms.
Hope you found the answer helpful
Do get back for further information and clarification.
Hope you recover early.
God bless you.
Regards
Dr Neeraj Kumar
Neurologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj