Probable levetiracetam-associated depression in the elderly: Two case reports
November 30th, 2009 Posted by: admin
Publication year: 2009
Source: The American Journal of Geriatric Pharmacotherapy, Volume 7, Issue 5, October 2009, Pages 281-284
Joseph P. Vande, Griend , Sunny A., Linnebur , Jacquelyn L., Bainbridge
Background: Compared with traditional antiepileptic drugs, levetiracetam has a unique mechanism of action and unique properties, including predominant renal excretion and lack of drug-drug interactions. In the elderly, depression associated with levetiracetam has not been reported.Case summaries: A 73-year-old black man (height, 172.7 cm; weight, 92.7 kg; body mass index [BMI], 31 kg/m2) with stage 4 kidney disease was taking levetiracetam 500 mg BID for partial complex seizures. After 5 months of taking medication, new-onset depression, evidenced by depressed mood, weight loss, fatigue, and appearing withdrawn, was noted in this patient. Levetiracetam was discontinued by order of the patient’s primary…
