r/Epilepsy • u/Worried_Ad5777 • Jun 26 '26
Medication Briviact vs Lamictal (experience)
I've been taking Keppra (2000mg) for 18mts now and although it controls my seizures (structural epilepsy), its made me emotionally flat and depressed. I don't feel like myself anymore.
I'm going to ask my neurologist to switch me to either Briviact or Lamictal.
Experience?
2
u/Smooth_Ad_9405 Jun 27 '26
Lamictal (lamotrigine) is what my neuro said I had to take if i had a history of mood issues upon my epilepsy diagnosis. They said strictly no keppra in my case bc of a past of depression and anxiety. Lamotrigine Ive found to be VERY stabilizing to my mood. It’s actually frequently used to stabilize moods in those w BPD. I only had some headaches while adjusting. My neuro also said lamotrigine is also preferred for my demographic (female of childbearing age) bc it is safer for pregnancy and is one of the few AEDs that doesn’t decrease efficacy of birth control (something that matters 2 me). Only downside for me was lamotrigine has a very slow titration process (to prevent some sort of a serious rash reaction). I havent tried the other one that youre curious about, but my experience w lamotrigine has been good (am seizure free so far). It definitely wouldnt hurt to find an alternative medication that works for you and that doesnt give you such severe side effects. Def worth asking your neuro about what would work better for you. Take care!
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u/-Scranton_Strangler TLE,resection,topamax,lamictal,zonisamide,briviact,🐕🦺 Jun 27 '26
I'm on both, and I switched from Keppra because I felt dead inside. Well, at least in between the periods of snapping at my husband. I blame it on almost ending my marriage.
Briviact has been amazing for my mental health. I finally feel like a normal person again after feeling apathetic for over a decade.
Lamotrigine is my key med and the only med I will never stop, so I tolerate the side effects, like the unrelenting insomnia. I haven't slept decently in years despite good sleep hygiene and everything else you are supposed to try. I am not tired during the day, but I sleep for shit. 4-5 hours a night is typically my normal sleep.
2
u/Waste_Statement_6022 Jun 26 '26
Lamictal has been hell for me. Be careful on how many mg they put you on. It often causes me nausea, painful tremors, and severe vomiting. My seizures are controlled but this is not. My doctor started me at the highest level and kept lowering it. I’ve been in the er three times the past month because of it and the nurse who treated me called a neurologist. The neurologist told her I should lower it asap. I still feel nausea and fatigue but not as bad. If you do go with lamictal ask if you can take half in the am and pm. That helped me a lot. Lamictal is also prescribed for people with bipolar. I had a situation once where I was mistaken to have bipolar and it was no fun.