Nonepileptic seizures under levetiracetam therapy

Epilepsy Behav. 2010 Nov;19(3):526-7. doi: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2010.09.002. Epub 2010 Oct 12.

Abstract

We describe two patients with epilepsy who presented with nonepileptic seizures (NES) when started on levetiracetam (LEV), which disappeared or significantly decreased when LEV was discontinued. NES are traditionally attributed to psychic trauma often after physical or sexual abuse, whereas the psychiatric side effects of levetiracetam largely encompass depression, hallucinations, and psychosis. We conclude that NES are a rare side effect of LEV treatment and part of the spectrum of behavioral changes observed with LEV treatment.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anticonvulsants / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Levetiracetam
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Piracetam / analogs & derivatives*
  • Piracetam / therapeutic use
  • Seizures / drug therapy*
  • Seizures / etiology
  • Seizures / psychology*

Substances

  • Anticonvulsants
  • Levetiracetam
  • Piracetam