Levetiracetam and Depression: What Users Say

• Nel...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 1, 2019

For Seizures "Absolutely horrible experience. I was prescribed this after having a breakthrough seizure as part of trying new meds. On Keppra, my personality changed 100%. I was despondent, hated life, had no motivation, and cried at the drop of a hat. Finally, I knew it was time to go to the doctor to transition off when I hit such a low low. Also started hearing voices. Never once did such dark thoughts occur to me until this - I imagine this is what it’s like to be possessed."

• Sco...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• September 26, 2020

For Epilepsy "When first put on Keppra, things seemed to be fine. But over time, when I had my annual neuro appointment and I'd tell them of any seizures I'd had that year, they'd up the Keppra dosage. And the more Keppra I took, the more seizures I had. I didn't realize that till later. At one point I was on 4000mg (?too much?) of the XR version daily. That's when I figured that the Keppra was the culprit to more frequent seizures. And the after-effects of a seizure while on that dosage lasted for days. They were major depression, headache, and minor aftershocks like another seizure was going to happen. In the past three years I'm working my way slowly off this drug. Now no longer on the XR version, just regular immediate release pills. On 500mg a day. I have fewer seizures. And if I do, I recover from them within an hour or so. One more thing. On the Keppra XR, Keppra rage was no joke. I'd be fine. Then out of the blue, just all hateful and mad for no reason. Any little thing would set me off."

• Jen...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 23, 2016

For Seizures "I've been on every seizure medication invented. Keppra or generic Levetiracetam is by far the worst one I've been on. The side effects have ruined my life. I gained over 45 pounds the first year on it. I am now almost 70 pounds heavier than I was before I started taking the medication. I can't work anymore because I have severe depression, anxiety, & insomnia. I tell people off for the craziest things & am super paranoid all the time. Despite that, I take antidepressants, anxiety & sleeping meds. I used to be a terrific nurse, winning awards & receiving all kinds of gratitude. Now I can no longer do anything. I am terrified to leave the house, take a shower, clean, or go anywhere. I have no life, I just exist. Can't wait to get off this!"

• Ren...
• November 20, 2013

For Seizures "I had surgery for a benign brain tumor over 8 yrs. ago; Gamma Knife radiation surgery 3 yrs. ago. The Gamma Knife surgery left me with scar tissue that caused me to have my first partial seizure. This required me to remain on seizure medication, levetiracetam. To prevent recurrent seizures, I was on a dose of 1,000 mg. / 2x's day. I was on this dosage for over 2 yrs. No seizures, but side effects crept up slowly: bad memory loss, difficulty finding words, fatigue, weight gain. Then, the intolerable ones: deep depression, mood swings, crazy flip-out anger. It just kept getting worse, until I couldn't wait to get off of it! My doctor called it the 'Keppra Rage'. I guess this is a well-known side effect that I could not tolerate."

• Pon...
• March 20, 2013

For Seizures "I'm French and am 28 years old. I had my first seizure in 2009. My neurologist gave me Lamotrigine for 2 years, from 100mg daily at the beginning to 400mg at the end. The frequency of seizures has been reduced but I still had some. I arrived in USA in 2011 and my new neurologist prescribed me Keppra because I wanted to have a new medication, more efficient. I take 500mg twice daily. I don't have any seizures since I started this medication, so more than one year now. I'm very satisfied so far, but of course, I have side effects and it's sometimes very difficult to deal with. I'm very tired all day long, I need to sleep at least 8 hours every night. I'm like bipolar, sometimes euphoric, sometimes very depressed. I'm a different person now."

• Ken...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• October 17, 2018

For Seizures "I have been on this medication almost since it was introduced, being on other medications that stopped the seizures but had to have blood tests every 6 months for liver function. Those ones didn't stop my seizures. Keppra has stopped all my seizure activity with little or no side effects after being on it for the first year. Occasionally I feel the emotional effects of depression and mood swings, but I am able to mentally talk myself out of the negative mental state, change the emphasis of what is causing the irritability, and change my environment (getting out and socializing, viewing nature, whatever it takes). Overall, Keppra holds my seizures from occurring with minimal effects."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 28, 2016

For Seizures "Worst drug I have ever taken. Been on it for 4 weeks. Not even sure I had a seizure to begin with. All tests, MRI, and EEG were negative. Trying to wean myself off. Dizzy, headache, depressed, severe mood swings, angry, then lethargic. Sorry I ever went to the doctor."

• fal...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 22, 2013

For Seizures "I am so glad I found this forum! My husband was on Dilantin and it was working well, but a few years ago his Dr. switched him to Keppra because it was newer. He started having severe depression and mood swings to a point where they diagnosed him with Bipolar. The depression has been getting worse and worse to a point where we almost hospitalized him because I was afraid he may hurt himself. Today, I spoke with his mental health provider and asked about trying Depakote and decided to come home and research if he could take both. After reading the reviews, I am 100% convinced that it is the Keppra causing his depression, and I am taking him to the Dr. Monday to have him put back on Dilantin!"

• Ron...
• December 16, 2015

For Seizures "I had my first seizure on 04/04/14 while driving and they found that I had epilepsy. The neurologist put me on Keppra. It is by far the best drug I've had to take. Initially, it was a pain as I was always angry, depressed because I lost my driving licence, and tired all the time. All I wanted to do was sleep. However, once I took this medication after 6 months, the side effects wore off, and I was getting back to my old self again - happy and all that. I once forgot to take my tablets for 2 days, and I had a seizure. It was the biggest mistake I've made. I always remember to take my tablets now. I'm seizure-free now. Please take your tablets. They do help."

• Mtu...
• November 11, 2017

For Seizures "I don't like using Keppra at all. Since the start of using Keppra, I keep on having suicidal thoughts every day, which I don't want to have. Keppra is making my life worse than ever. My mood is changing every minute. It has impacted my schoolwork so much. I have trouble remembering things and being happy. Sometimes I cry so hard and say to myself 'I can't take this drug anymore'. My self-esteem is getting very low every day. This drug is destroying my relationship with my friends and family. I just want to be able to tell them and my school what my feelings are and not pretend to put a mask of happiness over my face."

• Bol...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 14, 2019

For Seizures "I’ve been on Keppra for about 2 years for my seizures, and the side effects are on and off. My main problems are I’m extremely short-tempered, often very depressed, and most importantly, this medication causes so much plaque buildup in my mouth. Whenever they raise the dosage on me, I have to go to the dentist once a month with issues with my gums bleeding or a tooth being on the verge of being a cavity, and I brush twice a day and floss every night before bed. My dentist was very confused about why I had to keep coming in with mouth problems until I told him I was epileptic and on Keppra. My dentist told me of the oral side effects, dry mouth, etc."

• JJH...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 20, 2013

For Seizures "Started taking Keppra (750mg twice daily) alongside Lamictal (250mg twice daily) as the latter medicine was not 100% efficient to control partial seizures. Although the Keppra seems to have stopped the seizures completely, there are many side effects to be aware of. Drowsiness, tiredness, and irritability/moodiness are extremely common, so that is often a downer, especially when you're trying to enjoy yourself. Depression is difficult to identify as dwelling on the side effects on the leaflet only makes you feel worse! Overall, an effective medicine for treating epilepsy but I had many bad side effects."

• Wor...
• June 5, 2015

For Seizures "My husband is 35 yrs old and had his first seizure in 03/15 right before a medical procedure for a shot in his back due to pain. He has an extreme phobia of needles and seized before they did the procedure for his back. The doctors believe it was due to extreme stress, but then a month and a half later, while at work, he had another seizure. The neurologist started him on Keppra, and he has been on it for a little over a month. He hasn't experienced another seizure, but the medication is making him extremely depressed, he seems drunk/high from it, can't walk straight, speech is slurred, eyes glossy, memory loss. I don't even feel like he is even my husband anymore because it has made him so spacey."

• Jon...
• June 18, 2015

For Seizures "I've been on Keppra for about a year now. I am not the same person I used to be. I have lost motivation to do anything. I can't retain information. I introduce myself to people I already know because I can't remember anything, even things I learned years ago. The worst part is I still have seizures. They just keep increasing the dose. I'm up to 1500 mg twice a day."

• top...
• May 13, 2016

For Seizures "I was prescribed Keppra on 5/3/16 after a grand mal at work and an abnormal EEG. I had been having absence seizures for many years, this was my first major one. I am having some pretty bad side effects, including dizziness, weakness, extreme fatigue, anger, agitation, and depression. It is tough because I am a single mom and have to work, but I go to work and just sit there because I can't concentrate and don't feel like moving. I am still only taking 250 mg in the morning and 250 mg in the evening. I was directed to move to 500 mg in the morning and 500 mg in the evening after 3 days, but I just don't feel like I can handle it. I feel so hopeless and hope that the side effects will subside."

• cra...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 25, 2018

For Epilepsy "I've been on Keppra XR 500 mg (taking 4 a day, 2 at night, 2 in the morning). It was great at first, but then I started to get really irritable. Then along came anxiety and depression. In 2016, I had a son (had 1 seizure during pregnancy) and in 2017, I had a daughter (same scenario). I also had postpartum depression from when I had my son, it's worsened over those two years. This will be my 5th year on it, and I'm not satisfied with it at all. I've tried changing my medicine, but they won't because it stopped my seizures (grand mal). I've tried telling them about the depression and anxiety, but all they asked is, 'Why didn't you tell us this before?' But most people deny the fact they have anxiety and depression (like me) to avoid being put on other meds. I've tried anxiety and depression medicine, but nothing worked. All I want is off this medicine to not feel like a zombie anymore."

• cra...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 25, 2018

For Epilepsy "I've been on Keppra XR 500 mg (taking 4 a day, 2 at night, 2 in the morning). It was great at first, but then I started to get really irritable. Then along came anxiety and depression. In 2016, I had a son (had 1 seizure during pregnancy) and in 2017, I had a daughter (same scenario). I also had postpartum depression from when I had my son, it's worsened over those two years. This will be my 5th year on it, and I'm not satisfied with it at all. I've tried changing my medicine, but they won't because it stopped my seizures (grand mal). I've tried telling them about the depression and anxiety, but all they asked is, 'Why didn't you tell us this before?' But most people deny the fact they have anxiety and depression (like me) to avoid being put on other meds. I've tried anxiety and depression medicine, but nothing worked. All I want is off this medicine to not feel like a zombie anymore."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 27, 2017

For Seizures "This medication had a negative effect on my daughter. It changed her mood to a negative mood. It made her depressed, and she felt very agitated. It was a very scary experience and would not recommend it to anyone."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 17, 2020

For Epilepsy "I have been on Keppra for 5 years. Along with Lamictal, at first, I didn't realize any side effects of Keppra, but once I got taken off Lamictal, the side effects appeared. I didn't feel like myself. I became very depressed, irritable, and anxiety was through the roof. I would get intrusive thoughts and found out from my new neurologist that it's all from the medication Keppra."

• arc...
• March 20, 2011

For Seizures "I have been on many anti-epileptic medicines over the course of 30 years: Dilantin, Mysoline, Klonopin, Depakote, Topamax, Lamictal, etc. While Keppra did a good job of controlling the myoclonic jerks, which I often experience, it was way too sedating when combined with Topamax. It wasn't uncommon for me to sleep twelve hours a day. The real problem with Keppra was the mood swings, depression, anger, and suicidal thoughts. It's no secret that a link exists between epilepsy/seizure disorders and some (all) of these issues; however, in my case, these feelings and emotions definitely intensified while taking Keppra."

• JME...
• November 1, 2015

For Seizures "I am 16, I have had Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy for almost 2 years now and have been on Keppra ever since. I experienced some weight loss, extreme depression, hallucinations, and memory loss. I've only had one other grand mal seizure while on this, and I do not jerk anymore. Though it works, I wish I felt alive and awake during normal daily tasks. If you can seek other medications for physiological and behavioral reasons, I suggest it."

• New...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 1, 2013

For Seizures "I was given one dose of Keppra as a precaution because I had a 'spell' that I'm not sure was a seizure or just a bad anxiety attack. It made me feel dreadful: dizzy, depressed, weepy, spaced out. It's been nearly 36 hours since I took it, and I'm still feeling not quite right. Horrible stuff. I had an EEG, and it was normal. I wish the doctor had waited with the med until the results of the EEG, CAT scan, and MRI."

• Liz...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 28, 2013

For Epilepsy "I just had my third seizure, and I was switched from Topamax to Keppra. I find that this medicine makes me hyper and then extremely tired. I am 18 years of age, and I experience the depression side effect and almost all of the side effects. Really wanting to find the right balance."

• Owe...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 30, 2020

For Epilepsy "I have been on Keppra for 12 years, and at first, it improved my seizures. Been epileptic for 29 years. However, side effects are brutal. The lack of sleep affects my day-to-day life, the depression and panic attacks are awful, and the rage can be horrendous. Generally, I’m a calm person. I meditate daily and have to, to keep from screaming at everything. It’s like always being at your worst, and there are days you question your own sanity or the point of carrying on. I am trying to convince my neurologists to find an alternative to this awful tablet, as I’m now at the point where I have panic attacks even leaving my bedroom. My vision is constantly blurred and flickering, and it feels like I have a CONSTANT aura as I get pre-seizure. I’m lucky enough to have not had the suicidal thoughts, but even without them, I can sympathize with those who do, as it may well seem the only way out."

• Dia...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 10, 2015

For Seizures "I had my first seizure in February 2014 and was prescribed Keppra. I took it for a while and experienced all the symptoms as everyone else: depression, fatigue, mood swings, hallucinations, etc. You name it, I had it. I had no energy, and all I could do was sleep. I got tired of living like that and one day decided to stop taking them, bad move. It was fine for 4 days, I was energized and happy, but on that day, I had another seizure. I told my doctor, and he changed my prescription to Trileptal. I have been on it since that day, and the only side effect I think I have would be hair thinning."