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

question-icon

What Causes OCD Despite Taking Keppra?

default
Posted on Fri, 5 Sep 2014
Question: I was taking until some time ago 1000mg Keppra as mood stabilizer, Klonopin 1mg, Lexapro 2.5 mg and amisulpride (Solian) 100mg. My psychiatrist decidedf to change Keppra for Gabapentin, but this med didn't worked and suddenly an old OCD reappeared. It was under control until the change of Keppra for Gabapentin. But the most strange thing is that when my psychiatrist decided to go back to Keppra, the problem was not resolved as before, i mean, the symptom of OCD stayed. My question is: why the problem was not there at the beginning, it appeared with the change of antiepileptic (to Gabapentin) BUT it NOT disappeared going back to Keppra, while Keppra was working BEFORE the change? Is there any kind competition between meds (in the liver and kidneys) that could explain that Keppra was not able to do the same effect because it was retired for two weeks in the replacement by Gabapentin?

Thanks beforehand
doctor
Answered by Dr. Abhishek Kapoor (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
That could be due to receptor desensitization

Detailed Answer:
HI
Thanks for using healthcare magic. I, Dr Abhishek Kapoor, would help you in this query.

Keppra contains Levetiracetam and it takes time to show response. Usually medicines like antiepileptic take two weeks to show response. At first attempt, you got response with it. That could be due to medicine's anxiolytic effect, but gradually, medicine may have got tolerance. Due to tolerance, sometime, drug does not show sufficient effect. In your case, that could be the reason. Sometime, due to tolerance or receptor desensitization, medicine does not show desired effect. In that case, you have to wait or try another drug like antidepressant fluoxetine, fluvoxamine etc. Better to consult your psychiatrist for proper management.

In case, you need further help, you can ask.

Regards
Dr. Abhishek Kapoor
Psychiatrist
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Abhishek Kapoor

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2007

Answered : 2496 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Causes OCD Despite Taking Keppra?

Brief Answer: That could be due to receptor desensitization Detailed Answer: HI Thanks for using healthcare magic. I, Dr Abhishek Kapoor, would help you in this query. Keppra contains Levetiracetam and it takes time to show response. Usually medicines like antiepileptic take two weeks to show response. At first attempt, you got response with it. That could be due to medicine's anxiolytic effect, but gradually, medicine may have got tolerance. Due to tolerance, sometime, drug does not show sufficient effect. In your case, that could be the reason. Sometime, due to tolerance or receptor desensitization, medicine does not show desired effect. In that case, you have to wait or try another drug like antidepressant fluoxetine, fluvoxamine etc. Better to consult your psychiatrist for proper management. In case, you need further help, you can ask. Regards Dr. Abhishek Kapoor Psychiatrist