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Suggest Alternative Medication For Keppra

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Posted on Thu, 14 Jan 2016
Question: My husband had brain surgery to remove a tumor. It was discovered when he began having seizure activity in his hands, arms and one side of his body. Fortunately the surgery was successful. Overall he is doing well with the exception of Keppra that is being used to prevent seizures. He's been on 500mg. for about a month and is very weak, tired and dizzy; also has bruising on the inside of his arms. It is effecting his quality of life. Are there any other medications that can be used instead?

Can he do 250 mg. instead of 500 mg. or should he change seizure meds. completely? I forgot to mention that he will be undergoing radiation treatments after his brain surgery. They said they think they were able to remove the tumor in its entirety, but the radiation is a proactive step.
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Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Drug can be changed

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have gone through your question and understand your concerns.
It is good that the tumor was excised in totality. Post operative radiation is required in some tutors.
You can upload reports regarding surgery and tumor.
There are many medications for seizure. I some patients levetiracetam can cause irritability, behavioural changes .
I will suggest you to discuss with your treating doctor for consideration of changing the drug to lacosamide or oxcarbazepine.
You need to get some investigations too like serum sodium, potassium, urea , creatinine, liver function test and PT/INR.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Do get back with further queries.
Regards
Dr N Kumar
Neurologist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Neeraj Kumar

Neurologist

Practicing since :2006

Answered : 2259 Questions

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Suggest Alternative Medication For Keppra

Brief Answer: Drug can be changed Detailed Answer: Hello, I have gone through your question and understand your concerns. It is good that the tumor was excised in totality. Post operative radiation is required in some tutors. You can upload reports regarding surgery and tumor. There are many medications for seizure. I some patients levetiracetam can cause irritability, behavioural changes . I will suggest you to discuss with your treating doctor for consideration of changing the drug to lacosamide or oxcarbazepine. You need to get some investigations too like serum sodium, potassium, urea , creatinine, liver function test and PT/INR. Hope you found the answer helpful. Do get back with further queries. Regards Dr N Kumar Neurologist