[Porkette]

Hi Folks,

I wanted to let all of you know that are using the generic form of keppra called Levetiracetam that I got a phone call from the company that is making the drug and they are sending out a report to the FDA how this drug is increasing sz. for me as well as causing a rapid heartbeat for me. I was suprised when I got the phone call today and they told me they were putting this on report as well as letting my Epi know what's going on.
I certainly hope that none of you have the same problems as I have had on the drug. I'm greatful I will be seeing my Epi next Monday to get off the drug and then hopefully the sz. will reduce. I've had over 100 more sz. this yr. at this date compared to last yr.
Here's wishing All of You Well and May God Bless You!

Sue

[vodpop]

Thanks Sue,
thats good info to have. I've recently started taking this generic form of Keppra (matter of fact was just searching on side effects before coming to check the boards).
I hope everything works out well for you and god bless!

[Porkette]

Hi Stef,

I hope the keppra works better for you than it has for me. I just found out from my pharmacist that both the brand name and generic form of keppra have been put on report with the FDA. If you notice you have insomnia, or you are always tired no matter how much sleep you get, along with an increase of sz. call your neuro/Epi and let them know what's going on. I started taking 2000 mg. a day but now I only take 500 mg. a day and it's still causing problems. Here's wishing you well and May God Bless You!

Sue

[37IW]

The Keppra worked wonders for me and I was on the road to no seizures until the insurance company changed my medication to the generic form of keppra, Levetiracetam. It only took a short while that my seizures began and after numerous attempts from my doctor to have my medication switched back to the Keppra it was done. It has taken a few months to re adjust back to the Keppra but its been a month since my last episode so were praying that things will get back to normal and that the insurance company doesn't intervene again in the name of the almighty $ versus a patients health!!

[Porkette]

Originally Posted by 37IW

The Keppra worked wonders for me and I was on the road to no seizures until the insurance company changed my medication to the generic form of keppra, Levetiracetam. It only took a short while that my seizures began and after numerous attempts from my doctor to have my medication switched back to the Keppra it was done. It has taken a few months to re adjust back to the Keppra but its been a month since my last episode so were praying that things will get back to normal and that the insurance company doesn't intervene again in the name of the almighty $ versus a patients health!!

Hi 37IW,

I'm sorry to hear that your insurance gave you a hard time about the keppra but I'm glad to hear that things have worked out and that the keppra is working for you now. If for some reason the insurance co. gives you a hard time turn them into the state insurance agency where you are living and they will do an investigation as to why they won't cover the drug. Also get a note from your neuro stating that this drug is the only drug that has helped you control your seizures and have them send it to your ins. co. and be sure you get a copy of the note. Then the state will do an investigation that won't cost you any money and if your insurance. co. is in the wrong they will have to correct everything so you can keep getting the keppra at their cost.
I wish you the best of luck and May God Bless You!

Sue

[tos8]

Hey Porkett, do you know if this is still a problem? My little brother is on keppra, the generic version and he started having increase sz. around that time and his nuero increased the med more and the sz. increased more.

[Darlene]

37IW,

That is great news to hear, I am so happy you were able to get your medicine. I have been on Keppra for a long time. It is wonderful to have you come in and be a fellow member with us.

[Porkette]

Originally Posted by tos8

Hey Porkett, do you know if this is still a problem? My little brother is on keppra, the generic version and he started having increase sz. around that time and his nuero increased the med more and the sz. increased more.

Hi tos8,

From what I have heard they are still having problems with the generic keppra because the sz. are increasing in many people and the FDA has wanted people to fill out reports on this and let them know. I was put on the generic form of keppra and my sz. increased like crazy. So far this yr. I've had over 200 sz. and I've seen a pattern where I have sz. every week but one week each month. Before the keppra it was just the opposite I would only have 1 week of sz. and be sz. free the next 3 wks. the drug also caused more brain damage on me now I have 3 different areas that are triggering sz. where before it was just 2. I'm not to happy with the drug co. and you might want to get your little brother off the med before it causes more problems like it did for me. If you are in the U.S. just go on line and type in FDA drug watch and then you can call them and they will send you a form in the mail to fill out. I wish you and your brother the best of luck and May God Bless You Both!

Sue

[southie]

Updated article - unable to link or post because it
requires a log-in / paid subscribers:

Here is some generalized summary:

==============================

To the studies, it is of interest that a large percentage
of people who are taking Levetricetam (generic for Keppra)
have experienced increased seizures or new seizures than
being on the brand name itself.

=====================

Levetricetam users are more prone to experience more side
effects and seizures than those who are taking Keppra at
an increase titration (dosage increase).

======================

Further studies are needed to be done on the formula break-
down on Levetricetam in comparison of Keppra in diagnosing
why individuals are experiencing more seizures..... electro-
encephlaograms showing newly developed seizure(s) as a
result of a patient being placed on the generic formula.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I can only wonder when FDA (Food and Drug Administration) is
going to step in and intervene on this one?

[37IW]

Originally Posted by southie

Updated article - unable to link or post because it
requires a log-in / paid subscribers:

Here is some generalized summary:

==============================

To the studies, it is of interest that a large percentage
of people who are taking Levetricetam (generic for Keppra)
have experienced increased seizures or new seizures than
being on the brand name itself.

=====================

Levetricetam users are more prone to experience more side
effects and seizures than those who are taking Keppra at
an increase titration (dosage increase).

======================

Further studies are needed to be done on the formula break-
down on Levetricetam in comparison of Keppra in diagnosing
why individuals are experiencing more seizures..... electro-
encephlaograms showing newly developed seizure(s) as a
result of a patient being placed on the generic formula.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I can only wonder when FDA (Food and Drug Administration) is
going to step in and intervene on this one?

I have a doctor appointment this week and will discuss this with him.
I think I need a tad bit more though does anyone know about what the highest amount you can take per day?
Thanks!!