Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking Keppra as follows:
- Keppra can also induce constipation and abdominal pain & discomfort due to bloating. Proper hydration measures and compliance with daily fluid and fiber intake recommendations can help with relief from constipation. Avoiding carbonated beverages and taking probiotics can help with relief of bloating. Avoiding foods very rich in fiber content, such as, beans, cauliflower, cabbage, and artichokes can also help towards bloating relief. If you experience any further bothersome gastrointestinal symptoms, report it to your physician or home health personnel for further recommendations.
- Individuals taking keppra can present with symptoms of depressing mood, irritability, aggression, and anxiety. Discuss with your physician regarding your history of mood disorders, if any, and your safety with keppra, as this medication is reported to exacerbate mood disorders. While taking keppra, report to your physician regarding any gross mood and behavior changes, such as, deterioration of memory and awareness, feeling low and depressed, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, gross appetite changes, impulsiveness, agitation, aggression, and suicidal thoughts, so that, your dosage on the medication could be revised or alternative plan of care considered.
- If you miss a dose, try taking it at the earliest notice of noncompliance. If it is time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the dose scheduled. Do not take an extra dose to try making up for the missed dose. Notify your doctor and other health care personnel regarding your dose noncompliance.
