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What Causes Increased Level Of Aggression While On Keppra?
Posted on
Mon, 14 Sep 2015
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Mon, 14 Sep 2015
Answered on
Wed, 7 Oct 2015
Last reviewed on
Question : I have a partner who is taking Kepra. He has recently been told by his consultant that he needs to stay on it for anothe year. He already been on it for a year. I am worried what the aggression symptoms from the medication could do to my relationship with him if I don't ask for support as to the best way I can continue to attempt to support him through his recovery but not take my frustration out on him when the aggression symptom with him kicks in from the medication and I am on the receiving end of it? Please help. I will take any support/advice/support anyone can give me to help get me through the next year!
Brief Answer:
Treatment reconsideration, behavioral psychotherapy
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I am sorry about the situation you're in.
It is true that at times Keppra can cause behavior changes, so if these changes have appeared after its initiation it may well be the cause.
However if these changes are so marked that he's being aggresive towards you to a point where it's affecting your quality of life another medication may be considered. I am assuming he's taking it for epilepsy. In that case there are many other drugs for treatment of epilepsy without such side effects.
So I think you should talk to your doctor about these side effects and the possibility of switching treatment. Remember that if he has a seizure during the coming year the treatment might be continued for much longer, so it may not be for one year only.
Other than that the only additional recommendation is psychotherapy, involving behavioral therapy to teach you relaxation techniques to be used to cope with those stressful episodes. Activities like yoga are often of help as well.
I remain at your disposal for further questions.
Treatment reconsideration, behavioral psychotherapy
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I am sorry about the situation you're in.
It is true that at times Keppra can cause behavior changes, so if these changes have appeared after its initiation it may well be the cause.
However if these changes are so marked that he's being aggresive towards you to a point where it's affecting your quality of life another medication may be considered. I am assuming he's taking it for epilepsy. In that case there are many other drugs for treatment of epilepsy without such side effects.
So I think you should talk to your doctor about these side effects and the possibility of switching treatment. Remember that if he has a seizure during the coming year the treatment might be continued for much longer, so it may not be for one year only.
Other than that the only additional recommendation is psychotherapy, involving behavioral therapy to teach you relaxation techniques to be used to cope with those stressful episodes. Activities like yoga are often of help as well.
I remain at your disposal for further questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
No he has not been diagnosed with epilepsy. He was put on Kepra for a precaution. He has been told that he needs to continue taking Kepra for another year while he prepares to get back behind the wheel driving again; however my initial understanding was that he needed to come off the medication in order to be able to drive again. If I am honest. I have concerns about him going back driving while on the Kepra (concerns he is wanting to get back out and about on his own too quick) and concerns about the aggression/verball temper the Kepra is bringing out in him. It is giving him a whole new personality and one that I as his parnter do not like
Brief Answer:
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
Well, I suppose he must have had some episode which (while at times may not be confirmed with 100% certainty), has been considered as a seizure, otherwise I would find being put on antiepileptics just as a precaution very perplexing. These are serious drugs here with several side effects, they are not given lightly.
Whether epilepsy is confirmed or only suspected though, my opinion remains the same. It is obvious that Kepra's side effects are marked in your partner and affecting his functioning. There are many other antiepileptics, there is no reason to get stuck with the one. So you should really talk to your doctor about your partner's issues and about switching to another alternative.
I hope to have been of help.
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
Well, I suppose he must have had some episode which (while at times may not be confirmed with 100% certainty), has been considered as a seizure, otherwise I would find being put on antiepileptics just as a precaution very perplexing. These are serious drugs here with several side effects, they are not given lightly.
Whether epilepsy is confirmed or only suspected though, my opinion remains the same. It is obvious that Kepra's side effects are marked in your partner and affecting his functioning. There are many other antiepileptics, there is no reason to get stuck with the one. So you should really talk to your doctor about your partner's issues and about switching to another alternative.
I hope to have been of help.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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