Posted by Ritch on May 6, 2005, at 9:59:16
In reply to Re: Keppra - causes mania? » Ritch, posted by theo on May 6, 2005, at 8:42:13
> > You seem to be experiencing some similar effects that I have and am experiencing with Keppra. There does seem to be a dose-dependent relationship (in my experience) with ability to help as a hypnotic (125mg doesn't work and actually worsens middle insomnia for me-but 250mg helps). Also, I have been getting significant relief from the anergic depressive symptoms, but with the trouble of increased grouchiness and impatience. I haven't had explosive temper episodes (which is good), but I don't feel too confident that they wouldn't happen at a higher dosage (say higher than 500mg total daily). I had the "asthenia" experience with Keppra if I took daytime doses higher than 125mg-felt like a rag doll. Good for psychomotor agiation... but the stumbly, wobbly feel is a bummer.
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> What's weird, and I don't know if it was dose related or just the med itself kicking in, but when I went from 250mg twice daily to 250mg three times daily, I was actually more mentally alert, almost like being on Wellbutrin without the anxiety. I actually felt more sluggish at 500mg than 750mg. Physically though, I was a little rag dollish and also felt like a drunk driver sometimes! It's like being bright eyed but staggering a bit.
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> I got a little to bold after being on 250mg three times daily and jumped up to 500mg twice daily and took 250mg mid day. That was the day I wanted to run people off the road and immediately jumped back down in dose. After that, I've been fearful to go beyond 750mg. Although for me higher doses do bring on the more alert, assertive effects, if only I could correct the negative assertive behavior it brings.
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>I looked through all my notes on my mood chart back when I took it the last time (in 2003) and noticed that I had the best response at 375mg-500mg/day, when I went to 750mg things got worse similar to what you describe. I'm thinking about a 250mg HS dose (so I can sleep), combined with a 125mg dose (first thing AM), then 125mg in the afternoon. Maybe stick with that through a couple of my three week mood cycles and see how things go.. Interesting: "Wellbutrin without the anxiety"... that is very close to how I would describe it. I might add that it doesn't make me physically hyperactive like WB did either.. I've just got to watch the temper closely. So far so good (without antidepressants). With an AD thrown in the mix I'm sure I would have needed to reset the breaker box a few times by now..
poster:Ritch
thread:487624
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050504/msgs/494475.html