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Keppra Medicine for Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder affects 5.7 million people in America, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Consequently, many new medications and treatments are commonly tested. One of the newer medications being used to treat bipolar, Keppra, an anti-convulsant, has shown effectiveness.

  1. Bipolar Disorder

    • According to the National Institute of Mental Health, "Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks. Symptoms of bipolar disorder are severe."

    Keppra

    • Keppra is typically used to treat seizures and belongs to the same family of drugs as Topamax, which also treats bipolar effectively.

    Action

    • Emedtv states that scientists do not know how Keppra works, yet like other anti-convulsants, it serves as an effective mood stabilizer through its action.

    Efficacy

    • In bipolar patients and in patients suffering seizures, cells in the brain fire rapidly. Although its action is unknown, Keppra effectively slows these cells with daily use.

    Side Effects

    • Dizziness, headache, weakness are among the side effects of Keppra. Consult your physician immediately if you experience hallucinations, fever, chills or seizures.

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