Hi, my name is Sandy. My daughter is 4 years old now but was born at 26 weeks gestation. Since birth, she has had issues with hydrocephalis (sp?) which has caused her to undergo many surgeries. Well within the last six months, she has had two sets of two seizures. Once in March and then again on Tuesday. Most recently she suffered Tom's Paralysis on her right side. The Nuerologist has put her on 1.5ml Keppra. So far she is just not herself. She is pretty moody and sleepy. She also isnt as bubbly as usual. Also I've noticed her speech to be slow and she seems to be having to think more about what she says or does which is VERY different than before. I guess I am just wondering if these things are normal and if they eventually go away. I am worried that she will be "DOPED UP" her whole childhood. We go in to Nuero in about a week or two for a followup and just want to be well prepared with knowledge and questions. Any info would be so greatly appreciated! Thank you, Sandy

Hi Sandy,

Welcome to the forum! I'm sorry to hear all that your daughter has had to go through. I will let you know that I started taking keppra last yr. in August for absence (petit mal) and complex partial seizures. The drug has made me very tired, and at one time I had insomnia from the drug. In many cases it can cause a person to have an increase of seizures and this is what has happened to me. My neuro started me out on 2000 mg. a day of the drug and now I only take 500 mg. a day. since I cut back I no longer have insomnia but the seizures are still increased compared to last yr. Here are some of the side effects of the drug.

Suicidial thoughts
Exhausted
Moody & Irritable
Sore throat
Shortness of breath
Rapid heartbeat
Increase of seizures
Poor concentration
Insomnia

I'm going to see my neuro next week and I want to get off the drug. I wish you and your daughter only the best of luck. May God Bless You Both!

Sue