Levetiracetam Generic Seizure Drug Contributing to More Seizures, Side Effects and Death

Generic medications seem to be having there share of problems today. Generics are developed to provide low cost medications to patients and to provide the same qualities as the name brand medication would not to
increase the problems of the disease/illness.

The generic drug Keppra which is a brand generic seizure medication was approved in 2009 and was sold. Patients that were then switched to Levetiracetam are now experiencing on going seizures that did not occur while they were on the drug Keppra.

Generic medications being changed from one another is not uncommon in this day and age. Someone always think they can make one which is equivalent to the brand drug or prior generic and it can be developed in such a way it will be more cost effective for patients needing the medications.

Drug Substitutions

The University Hospital in Newark, New Jersey specifically states there opinion about AED's (anti-epileptic drug ) medications that basically substitutions of generics may be alright in certain conditions, but epileptics need to check with primary care physician before taking or receiving any generic substitutions. They also clearly state in no uncertain terms that the difference between brand medication in epilepsy and generic has a major difference. That these drugs could inhibit control of seizures in persons.

Now it is being stated that persons taking this new generic could lose driving privileges due to the fact it can onset more seizures, it will also impair them from employment or school with time lost. There have been cases indicated of injuries from the drug. It was noted that at least 59% of patients on this medication had more recurring seizures. Forty nine percent note was more severe side effects such as vomiting and weakness. On top of the usual side effects more intense ones have been documented such as psychotic episodes.

Past Studies Should Have Been An Indicator

In June 2010, the journal Epilepsia had published a study on patients and having their anti seizure medication changed over. It validating the medical groups at large of their apprehensions of generic brand medications not being able to perform as equally as to the brand name medications. Due to the recent events of this latest generic brand drug the Epilepsy Foundation is now making it one of its top priorities of exchanging brand name medications for generics due to the recent rash of side effects and developments on the latest switch.

Epilepsy

The last compiled figures and estimates were conducted in 1995. In the United States 2.3 million were diagnosed with the disease and taking anti seizure medications.

Epileptic seizures are caused uncommon motions in the brain cells. This can create a seizure which can be in the form of blank starring, loss of consciousness, being temporarily confused and loss of control which forms in jerking movements of arms and legs.

More than half the persons with epilepsy seek alternate treatments. Some are listed below:

Chiropractic

A case study of reviews was conducted concerning epilepsy and chiropractic treatments. From the years 1970 to 2000. The conclusion after the reviews showed findings resulting in the fact of correcting the upper cervical vertebral subluxation, chiropractic care possibly is very useful as a benefit to those with epilepsy.

Ayurvedic Medicine

In Ayurvedic medicine epilepsy is refereed to as apamara. There are numerous treatments for epilepsy in Ayurvedic medicine. Ghrtas (purified butter) is usually advised for internal usage. Other medicines which can be applied include Chaturmukaha rasa and Yogendra rasa. The uses of medications include external and internal applications. It has been stated the ayurvedic medicines should be tested in trials so they can be added to the list of medications similar to AED's.

Bio Feedback

An electronic device that identifies and magnifies and provides you with instant information on activity in the brain. This method helps you know what your body and mind are doing.

Research has been conducted since 1970 on biofeedback back and epilepsy and it did substantiate its claims that it is totally safe and efficient to help train a persons brain to balance its activity.

As like any alternative therapy it is best to check with your regular medical practitioner before starting any treatments.

There is a site on the internet that lists free legal resources called Free Advice where you can locate an attorney if you or anyone you know has taken the medication Levetiracetam.

With all the issues and side effects recently between over the counter pain medications, asthma inhalers now epilepsy medications, it is no wonder persons are seeking out alternative therapies.