What Are The Side Effects Of Keppra?

Brief Answer:
Is it KEPPRA that you're talking about?

Detailed Answer:
Good afternoon. My name is Dr. Saghafi and I'm a neurologist in the XXXXXXX OH region of the world. Good day to you and I'm sorry your grandson suffered 3 epileptic episodes at school today. If your grandson has been properly diagnosed with a seizure disorder (even if of the nonconvulsive type) this was based upon his having episodes which THEN, came under good control using medication...well, the evidence speaks for itself so to speak in my opinion. I believe the child needs to be protected with some agent. I understand why the mother may have had concerns that the medication could be causing side effects. All antiepileptics have a real risk and most actually cause dulling of cognitive powers with ongoing use. However, the risk of not taking them is the individual may go into convulsive complications which can cause at least inconvenience if not embarrassment for a school aged child (wetting or defecating on self in school) but in the worst case scenario one risks convulsive complications that can kill a patient if they cannot be controlled.

Therefore, again, I repeat if the child was PROPERLY DIAGNOSED by a neurologist or epileptologist who got the appropriate studies, did the correct workup using history to guide in the decisionmaking as to which drug to use then, I would have NO CONCERN as a parent in placing the child on the indicated medication and doing everything possible to guarantee their compliance. However, if I were unhappy with possible side effects or other attributes of the medicines I would NOT take the child off after they've been brought under control. Instead, I would speak to the prescribing doctor and clarify whatever it is that needed clarification. I would not simply take the child off and "hope for the best" because in those cases there is a high likelihood that seizures will occur at some point and again, depending the situation could produce deadly consequences.

And for the record I have good regard for the medication Keppra. I believe it is highly effective alone or in combination with other medications, is a great drug in the pediatric population, and has not demonstrated serious adverse effects in the vast majority of people who have prescribed it thusfar. If it has been working to this point I see no reason to change it....just need to clarify why mom is uncomfortable using it and if appropriate find another agent.

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This query required 19 min. of physician specific time to review, research, and respond with envoy to patient.

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