Keywords
anticonvulsants
suicide
suicidal ideation
epilepsy
How to Cite
Abstract
Background: Suicidal behavior related to the use of the antiepileptic drug levetiracetam has been identified as a clinically relevant adverse effect, as it may increase the likelihood of suicidal thoughts or tendencies. For this reason, patients receiving this medication should be carefully monitored in order to detect the onset or progression of conditions such as depression, suicidal ideation, or atypical behavioral changes. Objective: To update and synthesize the evidence available in the medical literature regarding the underreported adverse effect of suicidal ideation or suicidal tendency associated with levetiracetam therapy. Materials and methods: A systematic review of the literature was conducted, analyzing data from studies published between the year 2000 and the present that addressed the relationship between levetiracetam use and suicidality. Results: Following the application of predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, 21 studies were selected as relevant for this review. The findings of these studies indicated an association between the use of levetiracetam as an antiepileptic treatment and the presence of suicidal tendencies in certain patients. Conclusion: After evaluating the available evidence, a causal relationship between levetiracetam therapy and suicidality in individuals with epilepsy can be observed.
References
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