Behavioral Effects and Somnolence Due to Levetiracetam Versus Oxcarbazepine: A Retrospective Comparison Study of North Indian Patients with Refractory Epilepsy

    October 2016 in “ Epilepsy & behavior ”
    Garima Shukla, Anupama Gupta, Priya Agarwal, S. Poornima
    Image of study
    TLDR Levetiracetam often causes behavioral issues, while oxcarbazepine is more likely to cause sleepiness in epilepsy patients.
    In a retrospective study of 292 patients (93 females, median age: 21 years) with refractory epilepsy, behavioral disturbances such as irritability, obsessive manifestations, aggressiveness, and psychosis were observed in 43 patients, with 23 (20.2%) experiencing these upon the introduction of levetiracetam (LEV). LEV was discontinued in 10 (9%) of these cases due to behavioral side effects. Daytime somnolence was reported by 28 patients, with 15 (10%) on oxcarbazepine (OXC) experiencing this issue, and 8 of those were treated with oral modafinil. Only 1 patient on LEV and 3 on valproate (VPA) reported excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS). Additionally, 9 reported menstrual disturbances, 3 reported weight gain, and 2 females on VPA reported severe hair loss. The study concluded that behavioral disturbances are common with LEV, while somnolence is more associated with OXC, suggesting that these side effects should be considered when selecting antiepileptic drugs for patients with refractory epilepsy.
    Discuss this study in the Community →

    Related Community Posts Join

    6 / 12 results

      community Found the solution tressbros - 1.5 years 2.5mg oral minox, 5mg finasteride, 8mg estradiol valerate (weekly)

      in Transgender  591 upvotes 9 months ago
      The conversation discusses a transgender individual's successful hair loss treatment over 1.5 years using 2.5mg oral minoxidil, 5mg finasteride, and 8mg weekly injectable estradiol valerate. Some users debate the appropriateness of this approach within the group's goals, while others support the individualized treatment and its additional benefits for transgender individuals.

      community Question.. ( Come check )

      5 years ago
      A user has been losing hair for two and a half years after a tropical trip and illness. A dermatologist prescribed betamethasone valerate 0.1% lotion, but the user is unsure if it's safe or effective for general hair loss.

      community How effective is spironolactone?

      in Transgender  6 upvotes 2 years ago
      A 21-year-old MTF individual is experiencing rapid hair thinning and is currently on estradiol valerate. They are inquiring about the effectiveness of spironolactone for hair loss, despite being aware of its serious side effects.

      community a topical that combines MIN, FIN and DUT

      in Minoxidil  5 upvotes 2 years ago
      A user discusses a topical treatment combining Minoxidil, Betamethasone Valerate, Canrenone, Finasteride, and Dutasteride for hair loss. The treatment is RX-only and provided by a dermatologist.

    Related Research

    1 / 1 results