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Suggest Dosage Of Keppra XR

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Posted on Mon, 23 Nov 2015
Question: Dear Dr. Sheppe,
I am on Lexapro 15 mg, Klonopin 3 mg, Solian (amisulpride) 100 mg ank Keppra 1000mg, but my psychiatrist decided to trie Keppra from IR to XR (1000 mg at night instead of Inmediate Release 500 mg and 500 mg). It was still a strong dose for me (all the dose at night) and i would like to know if it's possible to take Keppra XR (not IR) twice daily (so 500 XR mg and 500 XR mg), i know some doctors prescribe it like that to avoid fluctuations of the med in plasma.
Thanks beforehand XXXXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (29 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Consultation

Detailed Answer:
Hello again XXXXXXX I hope you are well.

It is absolutely possible to take Keppra XR 500mg twice a day rather than 1000mg all at night. I often recommend this to patients who have bad side effects from the higher dose all at once, as seems to be the case with you. There is some evidence, as you say, that dosing it this way actually leads to a more stable level throughout the day...it is only dosed once a day per the marketing strategy to improve compliance as most people do not commit to twice a day dosing. But that does not apply to someone as dutiful and intelligent as you!

Keppra XR 500mg twice a day is perfectly safe and I recommend this for you.

Always good to talk to you.

Dr. Sheppe

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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Answered by
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Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2014

Answered : 2236 Questions

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Suggest Dosage Of Keppra XR

Brief Answer: Consultation Detailed Answer: Hello again XXXXXXX I hope you are well. It is absolutely possible to take Keppra XR 500mg twice a day rather than 1000mg all at night. I often recommend this to patients who have bad side effects from the higher dose all at once, as seems to be the case with you. There is some evidence, as you say, that dosing it this way actually leads to a more stable level throughout the day...it is only dosed once a day per the marketing strategy to improve compliance as most people do not commit to twice a day dosing. But that does not apply to someone as dutiful and intelligent as you! Keppra XR 500mg twice a day is perfectly safe and I recommend this for you. Always good to talk to you. Dr. Sheppe