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Can Keppra Cause Weight Loss?

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Posted on Thu, 27 Jul 2017
Question: Hi - 44 yr old male, active, healthy...over past 6 months have lost 25-30 lbs unintentionally...I have been on keppra for seizures since december...had CBC test a few months ago which was all normal...I continue to lose weight (5 lbs in last 2 months). I exercise everyday (running 3-5 km/day), and I eat plenty, just very little meat. I am wondering if the keppra can be causing the weight loss? or something else? Im awaiting a CT scan, but thats going to be a long wait...I havent lost ANY energy, eat plenty, but people comment on my weight loss as its quite evident. No other disturbing symptoms...stools fine, no blood, no skin discolouration or flud build up....any ideas/comments would help, as im stressed while waiting for the CT scan....
THX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Weight loss is a side effect of keppra

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank Thank you for trusting HealthcareMagic

Kappa can cause weight loss. The weight loss you are experiencing is most likely due to keppra.

However, other causes of weight loss must be ruled out like hyperthyroidism .

Thyroid function test, stool occult blood, complete blood count, urine analysis and complete metabolic profile are warranted to assess your general health and rule out any specific cause for weight loss.
Please be advised to follow up with your primary care provider for further evaluation and management.

Hope this answers your question
Please address further questions here
Regards
Dr.Lekshmi
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal (11 hours later)
CBC was all normal in April of this year...thyroid was also normal...
doctor
Answered by Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal (6 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Follow up answer

Detailed Answer:
Hello again,

If CBC and thyroid profile were normal in April then you do not need to get them redone at this point.
I would recommend getting a complete metabolic profile done to rule out other causes of weight loss like diabetes.

The most likely cause for your weight loss is Keppra. If the weight loss is too bothersome, switching to another anti-seizure medication like Valproate or Carbamazepine can help.

Hope this answers your question
Please address further questions here

Regards
Dr.Lekshmi


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2012

Answered : 3808 Questions

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Can Keppra Cause Weight Loss?

Brief Answer: Weight loss is a side effect of keppra Detailed Answer: Hello, Thank Thank you for trusting HealthcareMagic Kappa can cause weight loss. The weight loss you are experiencing is most likely due to keppra. However, other causes of weight loss must be ruled out like hyperthyroidism . Thyroid function test, stool occult blood, complete blood count, urine analysis and complete metabolic profile are warranted to assess your general health and rule out any specific cause for weight loss. Please be advised to follow up with your primary care provider for further evaluation and management. Hope this answers your question Please address further questions here Regards Dr.Lekshmi