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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Can Keppra Be Taken While On Lamotrigine?

Had severe head injury in 1971, but no after effects until 2014. Since then, suffered epileptic seizures and was proscribed lamotrigine for relief. Initial prescription was 100mg, twice a day, but gradually increased. However, even though take taken for years, last level of 250mg became too high. In September and December I suffered from dizziness, loss of balance, vertigo. Dosage was lowered to 200mg twice a day. Now advised to include another medication, such as Keppra, as protection from seizures. Lower dosage of lamotrigine is presumed less protective.
Tue, 12 Jun 2018
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service.
I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.
The aim of drugs in seizures is to control seizures without giving major side effects. Also with minimum drug, if the fits can be controlled then doctors generally reduce the dose of the drugs. That is what happened with you and you are very right. Second drug is only added if the first drug fails to control the fits. I think your doctor wants to change the drug to Keppra, because from what you had said; dizziness, loss of balance and vertigo are adverse effects of Lamotrigine ( and need to be stopped ). Hope this clears your doubt. I would be happy to answer if your have any thing else to ask in this regards.
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Can Keppra Be Taken While On Lamotrigine?

Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. The aim of drugs in seizures is to control seizures without giving major side effects. Also with minimum drug, if the fits can be controlled then doctors generally reduce the dose of the drugs. That is what happened with you and you are very right. Second drug is only added if the first drug fails to control the fits. I think your doctor wants to change the drug to Keppra, because from what you had said; dizziness, loss of balance and vertigo are adverse effects of Lamotrigine ( and need to be stopped ). Hope this clears your doubt. I would be happy to answer if your have any thing else to ask in this regards.