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        New Message Board Archives >> 2006 General Board Posts >> CH related
        
(Message started by: BarbaraD on Mar 21^st, 2006, 6:58am)

Title: CH related
Post by BarbaraD on Mar 21^st, 2006, 6:58am

Went in for my 50,000 mile check up with the neuro yesterday. He wanted to try me on Keppra. Haven't tried that before. He said that was working on CH on some of his patients (not working on migraines but having good effects on CH). Anyhow - has anyone tried it. I took one last night (500mg). No side effects I can see. He said if it worked I could probably get off the topamax. That would be nice after 7 years.

Ya'll know I'm not much for change so any help will be appreciated. He said the Kappra doesn't have the side effects that the topamax does and has been working a lot better.

He also gave me lexapro to switch out for the trazadone - been taking that since 99 also. Geezzz... I hate change... but...

Hugs BD

Title: Re: CH related
Post by Jasmyn on Mar 21^st, 2006, 7:14am

Sorry Barbara, don't know but a 50,000 mile check up? [smiley=laugh.gif]

Hope you got the oil and filters checked ;)

Title: Re: CH related
Post by deltadarlin on Mar 21^st, 2006, 7:58am

Keppra
Pronounced: kep-rah
Generic name: Levetiracetam

Why is this drug prescribed?

Keppra helps reduce the frequency of partial epileptic seizures, a form of epilepsy in which neural disturbances are limited to a specific region of the brain and the victim remains conscious throughout the attack. The drug is used along with other epilepsy medications, never by itself.

Most important fact about this drug
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Keppra can cause dizziness and drowsiness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or engage in other hazardous activities until you're sure the drug won't interfere.

Do not stop taking this drug on your own. If the doctor decides to discontinue Keppra, he will tell you how to taper off slowly. Abrupt discontinuation of Keppra can increase the frequency of seizures.

What side effects may occur?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Keppra.

More common side effects may include:
Depression, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, infection, loss of muscle coordination, nervousness, pain, runny nose, sore throat, weakness

Less common side effects may include:
Amnesia, anxiety, appetite loss, blood abnormalities, burning or prickly sensation, double vision, emotional variability, hostility, increased cough, loss of coordination, sinus inflammation, vertigo

Special warnings about this medication
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Especially during the first few weeks of treatment, Keppra sometimes triggers psychological problems, including psychosis, hallucinations, aggression, agitation, anger, hostility, irritability, anxiety, apathy, emotional instability, depression, and attempted suicide. These problems usually pass, but be sure to alert your doctor if you feel one developing; your doctor may have to discontinue the drug or change your dosage.

At the start of treatment, Keppra also can cause extreme drowsiness, unusual weakness, and coordination difficulties. Bring such symptoms to your doctor's attention. In a few patients, therapy must be stopped or reduced.

This drug has not been tested in children under age 16.

Title: Re: CH related
Post by BarbaraD on Mar 21^st, 2006, 8:03am

Yeah, filters fine - oil a quart low.... still chronic... (barometer down).. His son came down with migraines (only 13 poor little thing - inherited them from Dad). Everything about the same - still have CH (drats thought I'd be cured - no luck this time!). four months we're gonna check the tires.... :D

Hugs BD

Title: Re: CH related
Post by BobG on Mar 21^st, 2006, 8:15am

After reading the side affects, and special warnings are you sure you want to be on the stuff, Barbara?

Just to be safe, do not drive, operate machinery, or engage in other hazardous activities.

Title: Re: CH related
Post by Dragnlance on Mar 21^st, 2006, 9:07am

Quote:

Just to be safe, do not drive, operate machinery, or engage in other hazardous activities

I think we can call arguments with hubby, "hazardous"..
and I am not stating hazardous to whom ;;D

Title: Re: CH related
Post by BarbaraD on Mar 21^st, 2006, 9:17am

good grief!!!! And they say topamax is BAD!!! Ok, I woke up dizzy... so far I'm not suicial.... maybe later today... Haven't killed anyone yet - got pissed at the dog - but he deserved it! No double vision - yet. Operated computer - does that qualify as machinery... have to drive to work - others better watch out!

Do ya think this may NOT be my miracle drug????

Hugs BD

Title: Re: CH related
Post by Charlie on Mar 21^st, 2006, 12:48pm

Geeze.

I hope this works out for you. With all those side-effects, it sounds like an experience.

I think I've heard of the thing. Wonder if it will be next for me too. Little twerp isn't a great experimenter though.

Good luck Barb but sorry that you'll have to discontinue operating all your heavy machinery. http://fool.exler.ru/sm/tnpe.gif?SSImageQuality=Full

Charlie

Title: Re: CH related
Post by sandie99 on Mar 21^st, 2006, 4:10pm

Barbara,
I hope that meds will work for you & you'll have PF time. :)

When I read that side effects list, it made me grin: probably all meds I've taken for ch have included "headaches". ;;D

Sanna

Title: Re: CH related
Post by BarbaraD on Mar 21^st, 2006, 6:52pm

Headaches? What a novel idea.... wonder if I'll get one of those? wonder if I'd notice? [smiley=huh.gif]

Got thru the day and haven't killed anyone -- dog and grandkid are staying out of my way -- the aggitation is in full force... I'm not a nice person when I'm aggitated.... But they're both acting nicer so this may NOT be a bad thing.

Gonna try another dose and see what tomorrow brings. Wish me luck kids. If the side effects don't wear off by tomorrow I may just stop this project and stick with the topamax. I feel like the devil tonight. Not my jolly self at all. My bones are fatigued.

C ya'll in the morning...

Hugs BD

Title: Re: CH related
Post by Lizzie2 on Mar 21^st, 2006, 11:05pm

Watch it with that stuff. It was offered to me, and I refused it because it's known to cause some really wicked moods.

My doc said that this is only the case in people who have depression.

Gee...do ya think?

I didn't want to walk down that road!

Just be careful!!

Carrie :)

Title: Re: CH related
Post by BarbaraD on Mar 22^nd, 2006, 6:17am

Well, I slept well, but am hung over this morning - not my usual state in the morning. Think that was my LAST dose.. As much as I hate to spend the money, think I'll just stick to the topamax - at least I can navigate with it. I feel like a mac truck just ran over me this morning.

Now I know what you guys are talking about with the side effects of topamax -- I've just never had them, but the kappra has shown me what you're talking about. I don't like this feeling... Didn't have the nightmares like some did, but my bones feel like water.

Who needs narcs??? I feel totally drugged right now... Haven't felt like this in a long time. And I've got to go to work and be ALERT!!! Oh joy!!!!

Ya'll have a great day now ya hear......

Hugs BD

Title: Re: CH related
Post by JenniferD on Mar 22^nd, 2006, 6:37am

Barb, if there was ever a time I could say, "I can fully appreciate how you're feeling", its now.

Good luck with the switch back to topey, and hope your day gets better.

Jen

Title: Re: CH related
Post by Jasmyn on Mar 22^nd, 2006, 7:23am

Yip, it sounds to me that if you carry on with this Krappa medication, you'll need your tires checked sooner than anticipated ;)

Good luck Girl, I hope you feel more like yourself soon. [smiley=hug.gif]