Can i take lorazapam instead of Keppra?
Patient: My husband had a stroke and a seizure after one year. They currently have him on Keppra, which is causing up to 15 hours of sleep daily and he has lost 15 pounds in about two weeks. He has, in 4 years had 3 seizures , about 2-3 minutes. Can he get off this and maybe take lorazapam instead? Doctor: Hi,Thank you for posting your query.I have noted your husband's symptoms.He seems to be suffering from epilepsy, resulting in seizures.His seizures are fairly well controlled with keppra (levetiracetam), however, he is having a side effect of increased sleepiness with keppra.Lorazepam is not a good alternative, as it has very poor anti-seizure efficacy and this also caused too much sleep.Good alternatives would include sodium valproate and oxcarbazepine tablets.I hope my reply has helped you.I would be pleased to answer, if you have any follow up queries or if you require any further information.     Best wishes,Dr Sudhir Kumar MD (Internal Medicine), DM (Neurology)Senior Consultant NeurologistApollo Hospitals, Hyderabad,For DIRECT QUERY to me:  http://bit.ly/Dr-Sudhir-kumar My blog: http://bestneurodoctor.blogspot.com/