Levetiracetam and Depression: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Ell...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 28, 2021

Levetiracetam for Seizures "I tried lamotrigine twice. Unfortunately, it caused very swollen lymph nodes with fever. I took Keppra 750 mg twice a day for a few months. My kidneys couldn't handle it. I then stopped and tried again, ended up taking 500 mg twice a day. I believe Keppra does stop seizures to some extent, although it causes side effects that are unbearable over time. The biggest issues were personality changes, I became a different human, lacked empathy, was very moody, and hardly happy. I did have bouts of aggression, but for me, it was better than my previous aggressive issues before starting Keppra. I couldn't complete tasks, had memory problems, libido problems, insomnia, and lots of trouble focusing, I had no motivation and lots of sadness, my muscles ached, and I couldn't train at the gym as much as I did before. I felt like I wasn't living my own life. I felt the cost of controlling seizures was just too high. It will work if you can live like a zombie."

• Ell...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 28, 2021

Levetiracetam for Seizures "I tried lamotrigine twice. Unfortunately, it caused very swollen lymph nodes with fever. I took Keppra 750 mg twice a day for a few months. My kidneys couldn't handle it. I then stopped and tried again, ended up taking 500 mg twice a day. I believe Keppra does stop seizures to some extent, although it causes side effects that are unbearable over time. The biggest issues were personality changes, I became a different human, lacked empathy, was very moody, and hardly happy. I did have bouts of aggression, but for me, it was better than my previous aggressive issues before starting Keppra. I couldn't complete tasks, had memory problems, libido problems, insomnia, and lots of trouble focusing, I had no motivation and lots of sadness, my muscles ached, and I couldn't train at the gym as much as I did before. I felt like I wasn't living my own life. I felt the cost of controlling seizures was just too high. It will work if you can live like a zombie."

• Dr ...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 20, 2017

Levetiracetam for Epilepsy "Developed epilepsy due to several strokes while fighting sepsis/septic shock about 4 years ago. I am in the middle of weaning off Keppra and moving to Lamictal. While I was seizure-free on Keppra, the Kepprage, depression, and suicidal thoughts made me think it might be better to take my chances with seizures. Hopefully, the Lamictal will be effective. I also wish there was more science behind cannabis, and I lived in a state that allows medical cannabis. CBD seems like an option to supplement the conventional medications, but I can't say I complain about the occasional 'buzz' via full-spectrum cannabis."

• Not...
• June 9, 2020

For Epilepsy "I've been on levetiracetam for about 6 years now, and it's controlled my seizures, which started when I was 22 years old. The depression, anger, mood swings, and general numbness are too much. I've lost friends and nearly lost a partner. I never used to get panic attacks, and now I do. I mistake them for auras sometimes, which just heightens the sense of dread. Occasionally, I accidentally miss a dose and wonder why I feel so happy that day, then it hits me... I feel like reading these reviews has helped me to come to a decision to change, so thanks, everyone. That being said, I'm sure this could work for some people, so don't be scared of it as a medication. Just be aware that if your mood changes or you start feeling depressed, that it's not just you turning into an awful person and could be the medication. Also, I'm in the UK, so NHS will change my meds for free, no qualms."

• Lin...
• August 31, 2022

Levetiracetam for Seizures "In 2018, I had a successful surgery to remove a benign tumor on the lining of the brain; however, two months later, I developed a staph infection in the cavity left by the surgery. So I had two more surgeries after that. Four months later, I had my first hour-long blackout (evidently caused by scar tissue on the brain). I had three more in 8 months' time. Finally, I went to a neurologist. He put me on 250 mg of Keppra twice daily. That’s the lowest dose. Thankfully, I haven’t had any blackouts since I started taking it. However, I hate taking it! All I want to do is sleep. I have zero energy and no motivation to do anything. I’ve lost interest in life! This is not living. I don’t have any of the anger issues I see others have, so I’m thankful for that."

• Lin...
• August 31, 2022

Levetiracetam for Seizures "In 2018, I had a successful surgery to remove a benign tumor on the lining of the brain; however, two months later, I developed a staph infection in the cavity left by the surgery. So I had two more surgeries after that. Four months later, I had my first hour-long blackout (evidently caused by scar tissue on the brain). I had three more in 8 months' time. Finally, I went to a neurologist. He put me on 250 mg of Keppra twice daily. That’s the lowest dose. Thankfully, I haven’t had any blackouts since I started taking it. However, I hate taking it! All I want to do is sleep. I have zero energy and no motivation to do anything. I’ve lost interest in life! This is not living. I don’t have any of the anger issues I see others have, so I’m thankful for that."

• Bec...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 10, 2016

For Epilepsy "I was diagnosed with epilepsy at 25 and have been taking generic Keppra for 2.5 years. I started the drug to control grand mal seizures. It has been largely effective at controlling the seizures (I've only experienced two since starting the meds). However, the side effects are less than ideal. I originally experienced intense feelings of anger and depression and would break down on a nightly basis. I tried taking the recommended B6 supplement and experienced little to no relief. My short-term memory suffered horribly, and I'm able to recall very little of the first year in which I started taking the medication. I now take Zoloft to combat some of the side effects but still experience feelings of anger, depression, fatigue, and memory loss."

• Zac...
• November 8, 2017

For Bipolar Disorder "I was diagnosed with type 2 bipolar disorder in March of this year. A few months later, I had my first seizure, followed by a couple more in my sleep. I was then diagnosed with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy and prescribed a regimen of levetiracetam 750 mg tablets twice a day. Over the past 5 months, I've had positive results regarding my seizure disorder, although I have experienced an increase in irritability, hostility, depression, and suicidal ideation. I'm in the process of seeing my neurologist to determine whether this is the best treatment option."

• Lau...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 4, 2016

For Epilepsy "I was diagnosed with epilepsy when I was 12 years old (I am now 27). I have been on lamotrigine and topiramate (separately) in the past, and they both worked to control my seizures. This year, my neurologist has changed, and she wanted me to try Keppra, but I was happy on the topiramate, so I said no until I had a grand mal seizure. However, the seizures have gotten worse since taking the Keppra, plus the side effects are awful. At the start, I was so tired I spent all day asleep. After the dosage has increased to 3000 mg per day, I have started to get mood swings, anger, depression, irritability, plus suicidal thoughts and have become a completely different person - I never used to cry, but now I don't stop."

• lab...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• December 7, 2016

For Epilepsy "Have reduced my seizures from about 15 a year to only 3-4 a year, however, the side effects greatly outweigh the benefits. Currently suffering and have been for about 6 years now... extreme fatigue, mood swings, high up and down rapid changing moods, anger with extreme anger outbursts where never in my life was I an angry person, shaky hands, extreme memory loss like 2-4 month gaps, unable to concentrate, irritability, can't even remember simple names of things like cup or brush, which is very frustrating because I used to be a grant writer and loved to write poetry, can't anymore. Stuffy nose, exaggerated fears, swollen glands, depressed, social anxiety, I rarely leave my home anymore, I don't answer the phone, Dr. doesn't care."

• Ted...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 24, 2021

Levetiracetam for Seizures "I was put on Keppra, and at first thought they were amazing, as my grand mal seizures had just stopped! It’s not what they do for epilepsy that should be debated with this medication, it’s what they do to your mind. I was sooooo depressed but had never been depressed before, so I just let it go on and on until one night I tried to take my own life, funnily enough with Keppra! If I was rating this medication on solely stopping seizures, it would get a 10, but I think when they’re offering this out, they should maybe balance it out with an antidepressant."

• cry...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• October 29, 2015

For Epilepsy "I've been taking levetiracetam for 10 years now. I take 500 mg 2X daily. The first 4 years I experienced little side effects, like strange sleep patterns, always tired, and a slight disruption in my ability to concentrate. My seizures were reduced to only 3-4 a year vs. 1-2 a week. In the last five years, however, the long-term side effects have hit me hard: muscle and bone weakness, sciatica, migraines, hair loss, no energy, bouts of rage where I feel outside my body watching a mad woman (I have always been a calm, collected person who never yelled and rarely felt anger). The anger is overwhelming. Suicidal ideation, severe depression, complete lack of concentration, inability to think of words (which is devastating for my love of writing)."

• Anonymous
• August 26, 2011

For Seizures "I had my first grand mal at age 35. I started taking 500 mg of Keppra 1x a day and eventually worked down to 250 mg 1x a day without any seizures. My doctor and I decided to take me off the medicine as there has been no epilepsy detected in all the testing I have done. After being off the medicine for 30 days, I had another grand mal. So, I started taking the minimal dosage of 1/2 of a 250 mg pill once a day. It has been over a year now, and I have not had another seizure. I do experience dizziness at the beginning of my day before I take my pill. After a few hours, I feel fine. I also sometimes experience drowsiness, tiredness, agitation, anger, anxiety, depression, irritability, and occasional panic attacks. I'd rather have these than seizures!"

• Zen...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 20, 2020

For Seizures "After a few days, I lost all feeling below my knees using this medication. Once I switched back to my regular generic Watson Laboratories, all feeling came back without issues. I did not have any seizures while taking this medication, but I could not drive or walk more than 20 feet at a time. Brand Keppra XR did not affect me like this either."

• She...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• November 24, 2022

For Epilepsy "I’ve been on this medication since I was 13 years old for epilepsy. I am now at the highest dosage I’ve been: 1000 mg twice a day. When I wake up and before bed. I am always so, so tired, I can sleep so much. I’m very depressed and have no motivation to do anything. People think I’m just making excuses, but ever since I’ve started this medication, I’m exhausted all the time. It’s kept me seizure-free, but I wish I wasn’t so tired."

• ROY...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 10, 2022

For Epilepsy "Just wanted to do a follow-up to my comment @ 14 months ago. I am now on 400 mg daily of Vimpat. I am no longer on levetiracetam, however, I am still experiencing side effects of levetiracetam: cognitive issues, confusion, dizziness, lightheadedness, anxiety, depression. I worked corrections and was a go-getter and very good at my job, now I don't want to leave the house and struggle at jobs. I have had 3 EEGs and 1 MRI, I still have seizure activity and medical professionals I have discussed my side effects I had with levetiracetam state I may never get back to my normal self. My neurologist has never addressed this possibility and told me 14 months ago nobody has problems with Keppra/levetiracetam. Please advocate for yourself when encountering med change."

• 210...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 26, 2022

For Seizures "The worst experience of my life. Never go on this drug even if it works the best. I lost 20 pounds and still losing weight. I can never eat, sleep, or feel relaxed. My anxiety got worse and worse. I’ve never been this depressed in my life. I’m always tired and angry. Even when I get enough sleep, it never works. I’ve also never had angry outbursts before. I’ve had full-on mental breakdowns I haven’t ever had before. Please never go on this drug."

• 210...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 26, 2022

For Seizures "The worst experience of my life. Never go on this drug even if it works the best. I lost 20 pounds and still losing weight. I can never eat, sleep, or feel relaxed. My anxiety got worse and worse. I’ve never been this depressed in my life. I’m always tired and angry. Even when I get enough sleep, it never works. I’ve also never had angry outbursts before. I’ve had full-on mental breakdowns I haven’t ever had before. Please never go on this drug."

• Kri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 12, 2025

Levetiracetam "With each Keppra increase, I feel short-tempered, grumpy, tired, depressed, and definitely mad at the world, and an anger for myself as well for not being a better version of who I am. I think symptoms last like two or three weeks? My husband might beg to differ. I do need to try that vitamin B6."

• Fba...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• December 31, 2022

For Seizures "I had complex partial seizures for about 12 years and was put on levetiracetam 750 mg twice a day after trying Zonegran and Trileptal, neither of which worked at all. The only side effects I've had on levetiracetam have been depressed mood occasionally and temper/explosive anger problems that have gotten much better as I've gotten into my 30s."

• Kit...
• August 26, 2013

Levetiracetam for Seizures "Been on Keppra for 1 month. No seizures but very tired, depressed, and angry. 500mg morning, 500mg evening."

• Bel...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 26, 2019

Levetiracetam for Seizures "This drug does work, but it also makes me very depressed."

• Eli...
• January 9, 2016

Levetiracetam for Seizures "Stopped seizures, caused strange behavior and severe depression."

• Con...
• August 14, 2016

Levetiracetam for Epilepsy "Anger, moodiness, hopelessness, irritability, trouble making cohesive thoughts, very serious suicidal urge. Same day after the first pill of 500 mg."

• jam...
• March 13, 2023

Levetiracetam for Epilepsy "Look, it does the job. I don't have seizures on it, but it also makes me mentally foggy, extremely sleepy, aggressive, depressed, and suicidal every now and then."