Emotional Side Effects From Anti-Seizure Medications

*This post includes content regarding suicidal thoughts and tendencies. If you are feeling any, please call or text 988, the US Suicide Hotline.*

Have you ever looked at a bottle of your medication(s) and seen a list of side effects in a tiny font? I have. And you probably have too. Many of these side effects can be easy to brush off, but not for some. Small words or phrases can turn into reality.

In the epilepsy community online, I have made many friends who have experienced these emotional side effects. One of my good friends on X/Twitter, a ginger-haired stand-up comedian mutual, Patch, struggles with emotional side effects from his anti-seizure medication. On Keppra, he felt “constantly suicidal” for a decade. However, it did keep him seizure-free for so long that he had got to the point where he didn’t care. Patch told me “that they’re very different than post-seizure emotions. Very much intrusive thoughts and strong suicidal tendencies.” With another medication, Briviact, he can feel the side effects come on with an aura, which he can only describe as a small tap on the back of his neck. He also said that a nap usually helps with depression spells, which many people with epilepsy may struggle with. As for Patch, he has found new medications over the past 3 years that have helped him.

Since emotional side effects are no joke, I asked my support group about their thoughts and feelings on this matter too

Emotional side effects nearly always include anxiety and depression. Guilt and shame too. I went through a major depressive episode for nearly a year thanks to seizures. I’ve felt so much guilt and shame for asking for the help I’ve asked for after my son was born.

Being depressed and suicidal isn’t really uncommon with specific meds, same with irritability and anger. There’s a reason that the term “Keppra rage” came to exist.

I know these emotional side effects from anti-seizure medications can often be taunting to act on, but there is always hope. If you feel suicidal tendencies, it is always best to tell someone and contact your doctor so you can switch medications or try your hand at therapy. Always remember that you’re never alone, even if it sometimes feels like it, so it is also worth joining a support group if you’re up to it. Help is always there.

If you are considering suicide, please call or text 988