@A MyEpilepsyTeam Member , When I was growing up my Pediatric Neurologist put me on Zarontin & Mysoline but I can’t remember the third one. But my seizures aren’t as frequent as your son’s. Before he has the surgery you could see another Neurologist & get a second opinion being that he’s so young. But team members @A MyEpilepsyTeam Member & @A MyEpilepsyTeam Member have had successful surgery but they were adults when they had it. So I’m just thinking of trying to be cautious since your son is so young but for all I know that type of surgery might be a success for him but you might ask what possible side effects he might have after the surgery cause @A MyEpilepsyTeam Member said he experiences headaches, dizziness & other symptoms. So just do your research. I’m sorry your son’s seizures are so frequent. I hope things get better. Sending Thoughts, Hugs & Prayers. Your friend in Texas, Becky

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Thanks for replying.....The neurologist says he's tried all combinations but without success. So we will have to bear the drowsiness. If my son has one more seizure, which come every 15th day, he will be sent for presurgical evaluation. I'm really nervous.

Absolutely no answer that will bring you comfort… Unfortunately at 14, his brain has to deal with puberty as well. This means his ever changing brain/mind/body will struggle regardless of the meds he is on for the next few years. Until his hormones settle, he will struggle mentally and emotionally with the added stress of his condition. I’m not familiar with Keppra… But I hope his neurologist can find the solution/combination that’s best for him now.

I was also diagnosed as a teenager and they put me on contraceptives to help keep the anti-epileptics (Epilim; Sodium valproate) and hormonal cocktail in harmony (not sure how they could help boys in that department). Worked well for a while (3 years seizure free), then it started having negative effects on me after school. Constant state of drowsiness, lack of concentration, that lead to depression and irregular sleep patterns.
Things got better when I went on Lamotrogine, I became a happier and more present person again. But with the added stress that comes with adulthood, I’ve been struggling with sleeplessness, which is my main trigger. Dosages were increased, but still doesn’t eliminate the triggers in my life. New neurologist added Rivotril (benzodiazepine) to the mix - but only at night - my sleep problems are a thing of the past and I feel great and refreshed, no auras during the day. I think this is finally the winning combination for me… together with healthier habits (bye-bye wine and caffeine)

🌻What I’m trying to say is, it may take a while before he’ll find the combination of meds that work for him, and what works for him at one stage of his life, may not work for him in the next (biologically and circumstantial). My heart goes out to you. All the good luck to him and your family 🌻

Hi @A MyEpilepsyTeam Member , The symptoms you are describing are likely related to the side effects of the Keppra & so it would be best to contact the doctor & let them know what’s going on & see if they can get him off the Keppra & on a different medication. Keppra is known to cause mood swings, anger issues & make people not act like themselves, all known as the Keppra Rage. It has a side effect awful drowsiness & sometimes trouble sleeping. In 2019 I took Keppra for 2 months & it made me so tired that I had to take a nap every day & eventually I started having trouble sleeping at night & so I got off it. Many other team members have dealt with these side effects & gotten off it. I was on the Trileptal/Oxcarbazepine for years & never had any issues of it making me tired. But the Keppra is likely the problem & so try to get the doctor to take him off it & on something else. Good luck. Your friend in Texas, Becky

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