Your teenage son or daughter has a lot to juggle—even without the added challenge of epilepsy. Keeping up at school, friendships, relationships, after-school jobs, sports, and dating . . . it’s enough to tire anyone out. That’s why it’s so important to provide the support and encouragement your teen needs, while allowing him or her to be as independent as possible.
Your strongest impulse may be to protect your teen by limiting things like sports, travel, and after-school activities. And, you probably worry when he or she is out with friends, hanging out. Of course you do . . . you’re a parent. But don’t forget that there are hundreds of thousands of teens in the US who have epilepsy, and most of them can do all the things their friends do with proper precautions.
Generally, having epilepsy doesn’t mean your teen can’t take part in sports and activities like baseball, soccer, and basketball. Even swimming, bicycle riding, and gymnastics may be possible. Everyone is different, so talk to your teen’s neurologist about seizure control and how it might affect his or her ability to participate in sports and other activities.
Getting a driver’s license is a big step in every teen’s life. As your son or daughter’s friends get their licenses, it’s likely that he or she is feeling a bit left out. Be as sensitive as possible to the limits that seizures may place on your teen’s feelings of independence. Remind your teen that, when seizure control is achieved, it may be possible to get a driver’s license. Every state has its own laws on epilepsy and driving. Most states say that you must be free of seizures for a certain period of time; in most states it is 6 to 12 months. The Epilepsy Foundation offers a state-by-state database of each state’s driving restrictions and regulations. Look up your state’s regulations.
Your teen may feel uncertain about telling friends about his or her epilepsy; having seizures in front of friends is another big worry. Try to encourage your teen to be as open as possible with friends, teachers, and others . . . it’s an especially good idea if there’s a risk that he or she could have a seizure while they’re together. If friends know what to expect, they won’t be as alarmed when it happens.
If you and your teen decide it’s a good idea to notify teachers, the school nurse, coaches, and others about epilepsy, there are resources to help you do so. Visit EpilepsyClassroom.com for some ideas.
In spite of what you may have heard, playing video games generally doesn’t cause seizures in most people with epilepsy. Only the small number of people with photosensitive epilepsy can have a seizure when they see flashing lights. If your teen has photosensitive epilepsy, playing a video game could be a problem. If you’re concerned, ask your neurologist if your teen should avoid video games.
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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.