When you’re prescribed Keppra, a brand name for the antiepileptic drug levetiracetam used to control seizures. Also known as levetiracetam, it’s one of the most common medications for epilepsy and certain types of seizures in both adults and children. But knowing how it works isn’t enough—you need to know what might happen when you take it. Keppra isn’t like other seizure meds. It doesn’t just calm electrical activity in the brain. It changes how neurons behave, and that can bring side effects you didn’t expect.
Some people feel fine on Keppra. Others get tired, dizzy, or notice they’re more irritable than usual. A study from the Epilepsy Foundation found that nearly 1 in 4 people taking Keppra reported mood changes like anger, depression, or anxiety. That’s not rare. It’s common enough that doctors now ask about your mental state before and after starting it. You might also get headaches, nausea, or lose your appetite. These aren’t just "minor" issues—they can mess with your job, relationships, or sleep. And if you’re taking it for a child, watch for behavior changes like aggression or withdrawal. These aren’t side effects you can ignore.
Keppra doesn’t work the same for everyone. Some people tolerate it perfectly. Others have to switch because the side effects are worse than the seizures. That’s why comparing it with other antiepileptic drugs, medications used to prevent seizures, including Lamictal, Depakote, and Topamax. Also known as anti-seizure medications, they vary in how they affect mood, energy, and cognitive function. is smart. You might be better off on something else if Keppra makes you feel like a different person. And if you’re on other meds—like blood pressure pills or antidepressants—there could be interactions you didn’t know about. Keppra doesn’t usually cause liver damage like some older drugs, but it can affect your kidneys. That’s why blood tests matter.
What’s not talked about enough is how side effects change over time. The drowsiness might fade after a few weeks. The mood swings might not. Some people only notice the problem after months. That’s why tracking how you feel—day by day—is more useful than waiting for your next doctor visit. Write it down. Share it. Don’t assume it’s "just stress" or "normal." If Keppra is making you feel worse, it’s not your fault. It’s a drug with real, measurable effects.
You’ll find posts here that break down exactly what happens when you miss a dose, how Keppra compares to other seizure meds like Lamictal, and what to do when side effects get too heavy. No fluff. No sales pitches. Just real experiences and clear advice from people who’ve lived through it. Whether you’re new to Keppra or thinking about switching, this collection gives you the facts you need to make a smart, safe choice.
