With appropriate treatment, up to 70 percent of people with epilepsy will become seizure-free. And, most people with epilepsy lead fulfilling, comfortable lives. That said, however, it’s important to recognize that epilepsy can and does affect daily life for people with epilepsy, their family, and their friends.
Neurologist’s appointments, blood tests, and seizure-tracking become important, and learning to make medication and treatment a central part of everyday life may take an adjustment. Taking medicine exactly as prescribed is a crucial part of achieving and maintaining seizure control . . . so it needs to become a part of your daily routine, just like brushing your teeth.
While adjusting to something new is one thing, modifying old habits can be a challenge. Seizures may introduce a need for home safety precautions that seem inconvenient, and limitations on driving may make keeping a job and managing day-to-day demands like picking up the kids from school and doing the grocery shopping difficult. Get some quick tips for living with epilepsy.
Visit EpilepsyAdvocate.com for inspiring stories, practical advice, and to connect with other people with epilepsy through L.I.V.E. speaking events, a magazine, and video diaries.
Here are some additional topics that might be of interest:
Next: Lifestyle Tips
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Keppra XR® is a prescription medicine that is used with other medicines to treat partial onset seizures in people 16 years of age and older with epilepsy.
Keppra XR® is generally well-tolerated, but may not be for everyone. Ask your doctor if Keppra XR® is right for you. Like other antiepileptic drugs, Keppra XR® may cause suicidal thoughts or actions in a very small number of people, about 1 in 500 people taking it. Patients should call their healthcare provider right away if they have depression, mood problems, or suicidal thoughts or behavior while taking Keppra XR®. Keppra XR® may cause extreme sleepiness, tiredness, and weakness, and problems with muscle coordination. Keppra XR® may also cause mood and behavior changes including psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and unusual behavior. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these symptoms. The most common side effects seen with Keppra XR® and other formulations of Keppra® include sleepiness, weakness, dizziness, and infection. Do not stop taking Keppra XR® unless instructed by your healthcare provider. Stopping a seizure medication all at once can cause seizures that will not stop, a very serious problem.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may also report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or go to www.fda.gov/medwatch or contact UCB, Inc. at 1-866-822-0068.
Please see Keppra XR® Medication Guide and Full Prescribing Information for additional important patient information.
*With this coupon, you pay the first $25 of your Keppra XR® or Keppra® co-pay and we pay your remaining out-of-pocket expense up to a maximum of $30. This coupon may not be reproduced and must accompany a valid, signed Keppra XR® prescription. No cash value. Offer not valid for prescriptions reimbursed or paid under any government health insurance program (e.g., Medicaid, Medicare) or any private payer in Massachusetts or where otherwise prohibited by law. Patients are responsible for reporting this rebate to any private insurer that covers any part of the prescription. Offer expires on 12/31/12. UCB may cancel or alter this program at any time without notice.