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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Should I Take Keppra As I Don't Have Seizures?

I had a temporal-lobectomy back in '96 ! Immediately the Drs. put me BACK ON Dilantin/Phenobarbital. I had only minor , Petit Mal type seizures which would occur ONLY during my sleep. I got the Dr. to take me off (....finally) a few months later, following my surgery! I was put on Keppra, eventually taking (1000mg./day )! I eventually started consuming alcohol, quit smoking cigarettes 12 yrs. ago. Alls said and done I have not had seizures, of any sort, since the day I've, either, been off of Dilantin/ Phenobarbital or starting Keppra! Do I REALLY need to be taking Keppra any longer since it seems the surgical procedure has cured my Epileptic condition ?
Mon, 22 Jun 2015
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries

I can understand your concern. You have undergone temporal-lobectomy in 1996 and were taking Phenytoin and Phenobarbitone and then put on Keppera or Levatiracetam. Levatircetam is a good anti seizure drug that has excellent control over seizures.

It is advisable to take anti seizure drugs for at least 3-5 years post surgical procedure on brain. This is the reason they have prescribed you the anti seizures drugs to prevent the seizures. But since you are seizure free and surgery was done about 18 years back so in my opinion doses of the Keppera can be reduced without any fear. Talk to your doctor and start reducing the doses accordingly. As you have history of brain surgery and seizures so best thing that can be done in this situation is to reduce the doses very gradually in about 6-12 months. Abrupt reduction may precipitate the seizures. Call your doctor for details.

Thanks, I hope this helps you. Take care

Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi,
Psychiatrist.
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Should I Take Keppra As I Don't Have Seizures?

Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries I can understand your concern. You have undergone temporal-lobectomy in 1996 and were taking Phenytoin and Phenobarbitone and then put on Keppera or Levatiracetam. Levatircetam is a good anti seizure drug that has excellent control over seizures. It is advisable to take anti seizure drugs for at least 3-5 years post surgical procedure on brain. This is the reason they have prescribed you the anti seizures drugs to prevent the seizures. But since you are seizure free and surgery was done about 18 years back so in my opinion doses of the Keppera can be reduced without any fear. Talk to your doctor and start reducing the doses accordingly. As you have history of brain surgery and seizures so best thing that can be done in this situation is to reduce the doses very gradually in about 6-12 months. Abrupt reduction may precipitate the seizures. Call your doctor for details. Thanks, I hope this helps you. Take care Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi, Psychiatrist.