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Anti-seizure medications are known to have a variety of side effects, including drowsiness, dizziness, depression, and nausea. While muscle spasms are not a commonly documented side effect, some patients taking Keppra have reported experiencing leg pain and cramps. Additionally, a patient taking Levetiracetam, the generic form of Keppra, reported experiencing whole-body twitching. It is important to note that these reports are from online forums and may not be medically verified. The side effects of anti-seizure medications can vary depending on the specific medication and the individual patient. Therefore, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice and information.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Anti-seizure medications can cause muscle spasms | Levetiracetam (Keppra) may cause twitching and cramps |
| Side effects of anti-seizure medications | Drowsiness, dizziness, depression, nausea, decreased appetite, weight loss, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, behavioural changes, fatigue, unsteady walking, loss of appetite, headaches, double vision, balance problems, aggression, anger, anxiety, paranoia, euphoria, agitation, changes in mental status |
| Anti-seizure medications to avoid | Valproic acid (Depakote, Depakene) is potentially dangerous for young children; Phenytoin and valproic acid can harm a developing fetus |
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What You'll Learn
Keppra and leg pain/cramps
Keppra is the brand name for levetiracetam, a medication used to treat seizures. While it is a commonly prescribed medication, it can cause several side effects, including mood swings, aggression, agitation, anger, anxiety, lack of interest, depression, hostility, irritability, hallucinations, psychotic-like behaviours, and delusional thoughts.
Some patients taking Keppra have also reported experiencing leg pain and cramps. In one instance, a patient's son was prescribed Keppra 4.5 ml twice a day for complex partial seizures. The patient's parent observed that their son experienced severe leg pain in both legs, along with mood swings. Similarly, another patient's daughter, taking 1200mg of Keppra daily for complex partial and absence seizures, also experienced leg pains.
Another patient taking 1500mg of Keppra twice daily reported experiencing terrible foot, calf, and intercostal cramps after two years of taking the medication. They described the pain as being so severe that they couldn't find relief through stretching or other methods. This patient also reported experiencing mood swings as a side effect.
While leg pain and cramps are not listed as common side effects of Keppra, these experiences from patients suggest a possible connection that warrants further investigation. It is important to consult a doctor if you or your child experience any unusual symptoms, as they can advise on adjusting the medication or exploring alternative treatments.
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Levetiracetam and twitching
Anti-seizure medications can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and even suicidal thoughts or actions. They can also worsen depression. Some medications are dangerous for young children, and some can harm a developing fetus.
Levetiracetam, also known as Keppra, is an anti-epileptic drug used to treat partial onset seizures in people with epilepsy. It is available as an oral solution, oral tablet, oral tablet for suspension, and oral tablet extended release.
Some people taking Levetiracetam have reported experiencing light, intermittent twitching throughout their bodies. These twitches are smaller and are felt more in the muscle than they are seen. They are frequent, with clusters of twitches occurring every 5-20 minutes.
Twitching is a known side effect of Levetiracetam. Other side effects include:
- Skin rash
- Mouth sores, ulcers, or white spots
- Stomach pain
- Stupor
- Swelling of the face, ankles, or hands
- Swollen glands
- Swollen joints
- Thoughts or attempts of suicide
- Trouble with balance
- Uncontrolled repetitive movements of the tongue, lips, face, arms, or legs
- Uncontrolled jerking or twisting movements of the hands, arms, or legs
- Uncontrolled movements of the lips, tongue, or cheeks
- Unexplained bleeding or bruising
- Upper right abdominal or stomach pain
- Weight loss
- Yellow eyes or skin
It is important to note that these side effects may go away during treatment as the body adjusts to the medicine. A healthcare professional may also be able to advise on ways to prevent or reduce these side effects. It is important to consult a doctor before starting or stopping any medication.
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Diazepam (Valium) side effects
Diazepam, also known by its brand name Valium, is a medication used to treat anxiety, seizures, muscle spasms or twitches, and alcohol withdrawal. It belongs to a group of medications called benzodiazepines, which work by calming the nervous system.
Like all medications, diazepam can cause side effects in some people, although many experience none or only minor effects. It is important not to drink alcohol while taking diazepam, as this can increase the risk of serious, life-threatening side effects. Additionally, diazepam may cause physical dependence, so it is crucial to gradually reduce the dose under medical supervision before stopping.
Common side effects of diazepam, occurring in more than 1 in 100 people, include problems with coordination and controlling movements. It can also cause unusual mood changes, such as talking more than usual, feeling overexcited, agitated, restless, irritable, or aggressive. These side effects are more common in children or those over 65.
In rare cases, diazepam may cause serious allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), with symptoms such as swelling of the lips, mouth, throat, or tongue, difficulty breathing, skin, tongue, or lips turning blue, grey, or pale, and confusion or dizziness. Other rare but serious side effects include CNS depression, with symptoms like slow or shallow breathing, shortness of breath, dizziness, and confusion, as well as thoughts of suicide or self-harm, and worsening mood or depression.
If you experience any unusual problems or side effects while taking diazepam, it is important to consult your doctor or healthcare provider. They may adjust your dose or monitor you more closely for side effects.
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Seizure medication and children
Seizure medication is usually the first treatment option to help control seizures in children with epilepsy. The type of medicine used for a child depends on the type of seizures, the child's age and health, and the possible side effects of the medications. For instance, phenobarbital is often the medication of choice for seizures in very young children and infants, while valproic acid (Depakote, Depakene) is potentially dangerous to administer to young children.
Medications used at home are usually taken by mouth (as capsules, tablets, sprinkles, or syrup), but some can be given rectally. If the child is in the hospital with seizures, medication by injection or intravenous (IV) may be used. It is important to give your child their medicine on time and as prescribed by their physician. The medicine should be taken regularly, and the amount of medication prescribed is based on the child's weight and may be adjusted based on seizure control and side effects.
Most seizure medications can cause drowsiness and dizziness, especially early in therapy. Alcohol has the potential to enhance these side effects, so it should be consumed in moderation. Other side effects may include upset stomach, skin rash, and changes in appetite and weight. All seizure medications carry some risk of change in mood and behaviour, including a very small risk of thoughts of suicide.
If you forget to give a dose of medicine, give it as soon as you remember and give the next dose later if possible. Avoid giving two doses of medication closer than about six hours apart. Missing one dose of medication or giving it late will not cause a seizure in most children, but missing several doses is likely to cause a seizure.
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Seizure medication and pregnancy
Seizures, also known as convulsions, are characterised by uncontrollable muscle contractions. However, not all seizures produce convulsive behaviour. Epilepsy is a condition in which a person experiences repeated seizures due to an overall electrical disturbance in the brain. Management of seizures often involves continuous medication use throughout a patient's life, including when a patient is pregnant.
Physiological changes during pregnancy can alter the pharmacokinetics of anti-seizure medications (ASMs), leading to fluctuations in blood drug concentrations. Subtherapeutic ASM concentrations in the mother may increase seizure frequency, raising the risk of miscarriage and preterm labour. On the other hand, increased drug exposure can adversely affect the developing foetus. Some anti-seizure medications are associated with an increased risk of major congenital malformations, and their use has declined over the past decade.
Newer anti-seizure medications are thought to have more favourable pharmacokinetics in general, but they are not without risk. With known changes in metabolism and kidney function during pregnancy, therapeutic monitoring of drug concentrations is crucial to determine if and when doses should be changed to maintain similar seizure control as observed pre-pregnancy. The Maternal Outcomes and Neurodevelopmental Effects of Anti-Epileptic Drugs (MONEAD) study revealed lamotrigine and levetiracetam as the most commonly prescribed monotherapies, with co-administration of the two being the most common polytherapy.
Data from various countries indicate changing trends in ASM prescription patterns during pregnancy. For instance, Japan saw a general reduction in ASM prescriptions during the first two trimesters, with an increase in the third trimester and postpartum period. Similarly, India experienced an increase in the prescription of levetiracetam as monotherapy and clobazam, levetiracetam, and lamotrigine as polytherapy.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, anti-seizure medications can cause muscle spasms. Keppra, for example, has been associated with leg pain and cramps. Levetiracetam, the generic form of Keppra, has also been linked to twitching and spasms.
The side effects of anti-seizure medications vary depending on the specific medication and the individual. Common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, weight loss, headache, depression, and behavioural changes.
If you experience muscle spasms or any other side effects while taking anti-seizure medication, it is important to consult your doctor or medical team. They may adjust your medication or recommend additional treatments to manage the side effects.
