What Are The Side Effects Of Keppra?

Posted on Sun, 7 May 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 7 May 2017 Answered on

Tue, 30 May 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : I am a high track coach who has a talented distance runner 1500 meters us her speciality. Last July she was put on keppra. Ever since she has not been the same. Some days bad, some days great. Can't figure out the inconsistency. She says she disconnects in races she does badly in. How and is it pis dibble to combat the side effects

Answered by Dr. salah saad shoman (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Side effects of keppra

Detailed Answer:
Dear sir,

Keppra is known to cause the side effects of psychoneuroisis and abnormal behavior including nervousness, anxiety, agitation, aggressive behavior, apathy, negativity, depression, mood changes and fatigue. If the side effects are interfering with her performance then she needs to refer to her doctor to either decrease the dose or change the medication for her.

I hope I answered your question.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. salah saad shoman (13 minutes later)

Thank you. Also, yesterday, after a particular bad race, she said she did not remember the race, is that part of the side effects. Also, is it possible to be near normal in an athletic contest one day and then be out of it the next day.
Thank you

Answered by Dr. salah saad shoman (4 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes

Detailed Answer:
Dear sir, yes this is possible . a less common but documented side effect imoduim keppra is to induce problems with memory including amnesia and memory loss. I hope you find this helpful.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. salah saad shoman (49 minutes later)

Thank you, this is helpful. One last question. In lieu of changing medications, would you have any suggestions to help on race day to keep her concentration.
THank you.

Answered by Dr. salah saad shoman (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Vitamin b complex and omega fish oil supplement

Detailed Answer:
Dear sir, I would suggest that you give her vitamin b complex in the morning and omega fish oil in the afternoon on daily basis.. In some patients these supplements greatly reduce the side effects of keppra. I think it is worth trying before considering replacing the keppra. I hope I answered your question, regards..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. salah saad shoman (1 hour later)

Thank you very much, very helpful

Answered by Dr. salah saad shoman (2 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You are welcome

Detailed Answer:
you are welcome, I would appreciate it if you rate the answer, regards..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T