Keppra and Headaches

Keppra and headaches may work together as the best headache medication if you have migraine symptoms.

Keppra is one of the newer kids on the block in anti-seizure medications. Although it does not carry the indication for headaches, none the less many anti-seizure drugs are used in recurring headaches.

Keppra is showing some success in treating chronic migraines. Although not as effective as topamax and depakote, it may be effective if the other two are not. Unlike, Topamax, Depakote and Zonagran, Keppra for headaches has no drug-drug interactions. It also has a low side effect profile.

Also, unlike the other anti-seizure drugs, I have found that if people are going to respond to this drug, it is usually at higher doses. In fact, they have to take anti-seizure doses. However, the drug is well tolerated to this is not much of a problem. Like Depakote, Keppra is available in IV form and can be used as an infusion to stop a bad migraine.

Side Effects

The most common side effect I hear is mild dizziness. This tends to wear off. A few patients have had some nausea and have had to discontinue the medication.

You should not take this medication if you are pregnant unless your doctor deems it necessary. Like other anti-seizure medications, you should not stop it suddenly.

Overall Keppra and headaches seem to be a good match if other anti-seizure drugs have failed.