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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is Levera Causing Epileptic Attacks?

Hi My Father never had epilepsy until about 2 months back he first time fell unconscious and bit his tongue. He is 73 years old. He was having black outs for about a year though, not epileptic. However from 2 months back, he was prescribed Levera. But last week he again had an ever worse epileptic attack which lasted for about 40 mins. Wondering if Levera caused his condition to worsen. Any suggestions. Of course he is administered by other doctors. However a suggestion would be great.
Fri, 26 Dec 2014
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Neurologist,  's  Response
I read your question and I understand your concern.

First of all I hope it has been investigated on the cause of those attacks. In a 73 year old there usually is a cause like a stroke or tumor suddenly predisposing to the manifestation of attacks, so brain imaging is required apart from other lab tests. If a removable cause naturally it must be addressed.
Levetiracetam (Levera) is a widely spread drug to treat seizures and I think it's a very good first choice both for its efficacy as well as for the few side effects. So I don't think it's exacerbating the attacks. However if it seems not effective there are drugs which might work better and can be switched to like valproic acid, lamotrigine etc, all prescription drugs though and must be discussed with your doctors because the choice depends on the cause of the seizures, seizure type, EEG data, possible side effects and interactions with other drugs he might be taking.

I hope to have been of help.
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Is Levera Causing Epileptic Attacks?

I read your question and I understand your concern. First of all I hope it has been investigated on the cause of those attacks. In a 73 year old there usually is a cause like a stroke or tumor suddenly predisposing to the manifestation of attacks, so brain imaging is required apart from other lab tests. If a removable cause naturally it must be addressed. Levetiracetam (Levera) is a widely spread drug to treat seizures and I think it s a very good first choice both for its efficacy as well as for the few side effects. So I don t think it s exacerbating the attacks. However if it seems not effective there are drugs which might work better and can be switched to like valproic acid, lamotrigine etc, all prescription drugs though and must be discussed with your doctors because the choice depends on the cause of the seizures, seizure type, EEG data, possible side effects and interactions with other drugs he might be taking. I hope to have been of help.