HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

How Long Is Keppra To Be Taken After A Craniotomy?

I recently 2 months ago on August 19th 2014 had a brain bleed related to a drug called Plavix that I took for 2 months I had a bad head pain in the low back part of my skull. They did a craniotomy to remove a build up of blood. then they did some surgical repair to stop the bleeding. They also put me on Keppra 1,000 Mgs. a day then reduced the dose to 750 mgs. at night & 500 during the morning. It makes me feel tired I also had a small stroke but I have recovered from that stroke I believe . Can you tell me how long I may need to take Keppra? I am also a Heart transplant patient for the last 18 months doing well with that.WHy do I need to keep taking Keppra and for how long? Thank you Edward
Mon, 6 Apr 2015
Report Abuse
Neurologist, Surgical,  's  Response
Hi there Edward, the recommended length of time to take Keppra after a craniotomy for intracranial bleed varies from patient to patient. It is common that some patients (though most tolerate it really well) complain of feeling tired, or a bit "foggy" with the medication. The length of time determined usually depends on factors like if you had any seizures due to the bleeding, or any after surgery, and how much residual blood there is still in the brain. I would recommend that you coordinate with either your neurologist or your neurosurgeon (whoever prescribes the keppra for you) to determine whether or not this is a medication you can safely taper down, but as it is an anti-seizure medication I would not decrease the dose without a physician to supervise. Hope my answer is helpful to you.
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 
Loading Online Doctors....
How Long Is Keppra To Be Taken After A Craniotomy?

Hi there Edward, the recommended length of time to take Keppra after a craniotomy for intracranial bleed varies from patient to patient. It is common that some patients (though most tolerate it really well) complain of feeling tired, or a bit foggy with the medication. The length of time determined usually depends on factors like if you had any seizures due to the bleeding, or any after surgery, and how much residual blood there is still in the brain. I would recommend that you coordinate with either your neurologist or your neurosurgeon (whoever prescribes the keppra for you) to determine whether or not this is a medication you can safely taper down, but as it is an anti-seizure medication I would not decrease the dose without a physician to supervise. Hope my answer is helpful to you.