I am on 1200 mg of Tegretol XR. I am also on Lamictol but when I get above 187.5 dosage, I get extreme double vision. So my Neurologist has added Levetiracetam to my schedule. Just what I wanted was another drug, but what can I do. So, I was wondering if anyone has taken this and what type of side effects did you have? With the other drugs, I have the ususal tiredness, dizziness, stupidness but I also have the hair loss and I seem to be losing my hearing. Will I experience more fun? The only thing I’ve notice so far and on a very small dose is I seem to get almost manic. Extremely hyper but then I crash. Not so fun. I wonder if that will go away. Thanks for any suggestions.
Wishing everyone a pain free day.
Debbie
I am taking levetiracetam now (was on Gabapentin 300 mg. 2x/day). What was your experience while on that drug? I noticed that you posted something about being on it in May, 2009 (on the ATN discussion group). Gabapentin makes me feel off balance, and sluggish. I think it also gives me double vision. Did you like the Levetiracetam? I see that you found you had a blood vessel pressing on your TN nerve, so I assume you would be a good candidate to have that pressure removed surgically. I have multiple sclerosis and the TN is a result of a lesion on my brain in the vicinity of the TN nerve root. Two years ago the neurosurgeon did a glycerol rhizotomy (glycerine injected at the root of the Trigeminal nerve to dull the sensation and temporarily scar it. They don't want to do this too often and unfortunately after two to three years, the effect wears off. I'm now 62 yrs. old and my neuro says that my TN attacks will likely become more frequent. Therefore, he prescribed the Keppra (levetiracetam) as a preventive (250 mg. 2x/day). I have found it makes me groggy and my walking balance is more off. But that could just be the MS. If you can remember, I'd be interested in hearing about how you reacted to it. You can reply here or email me at ■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■. Thanks and I hope you are getting some relief.
Lois Matthews Coletti