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A MyEpilepsyTeam Member asked a question 💭
Brampton, ON. Canada

Does anyone else experience severe constipation resulting from AEDs like Transipitation (Keppra) 1500 mg, Lacosamide 200 mg and Limitrogene 150 mg all twice a day and iron deficiency too.
Please information needed.
Thanks

April 7, 2025
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A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

I've never had problems with Lamictal or Klonopin, but since I started Epidiolex I do have loose stools. My epileptologist suggested Imodium. It hasn't been bad enough for the Imodium, I changed my diet first, eating a lot more fruit and green veggies, which has had enough of an effect to make it tolerable.

April 9, 2025
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

The Epidiolex causes badly loose bowels, but sometimes I am very constipated also. I did not think about that as a side effect of the Lamotragine, Briviact and Onfi.

April 8, 2025
MyEpilepsyTeam

Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) can indeed cause various digestive system side effects, including upset stomach. While the search results don't specifically mention constipation, it's important to know that gastrointestinal issues are common side effects of many AEDs.

The medications you're taking, particularly Keppra Show Full Answer

Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) can indeed cause various digestive system side effects, including upset stomach. While the search results don't specifically mention constipation, it's important to know that gastrointestinal issues are common side effects of many AEDs.

The medications you're taking, particularly Keppra (levetiracetam), are known to cause various side effects. If you're experiencing severe constipation, this should be discussed with your healthcare provider as they may be able to adjust your medication or recommend ways to manage this side effect. Some MyEpilepsyTeam members have found relief by working with their doctors to manage medication side effects. Your doctor might be able to prescribe additional medications to help manage these side effects or adjust your current medication doses. Since you're also experiencing iron deficiency, this is particularly important to discuss with your healthcare team as they can evaluate both issues together.

April 7, 2025
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

Leslie3,
I haven't had too much of a problem with the Epidiolex. Pepto Bismol is one of the nastiest tasting things I've ever ingested. I haven't had to take Imodium once so far because the diet change seems to be working. (I love cheese and eggs!) I'd be more concerned if it were uncontrollable diarrhea, which he said was the most common side effect. The only time I might have a problem is with restaurant foods, and with a fixed income that's no more than twice a month. All of these drugs and potions have their own downsides. Hair loss and osteoporosis from the Lamictal, the list of long-term Klonopin side effects is significant, the Omeprazole (for GERD) affects kidney function. I've had these conversations with my primary doc and epileptologist, and it comes down to risk vs. benefit. But yeah, I know what you mean. "Well managed" means no seizures, as close to a normal life as I can hope for. I'm nearing 70, I don't know how much "long term" I have left!

April 10, 2025
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

Eric,
I took some Pepto Bismol the other day because I felt so awful! I was told not to take Imodium on a regular basis. Instead, I find cheese and eggs will harden up the stool some.

April 9, 2025

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