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 / 20 results

      community Better Than Minoxidil? Topical Sodium Valproate

      in Research/Science  50 upvotes 5 months ago
      Topical sodium valproate may promote hair growth by inhibiting GSK3β, allowing beta-catenin to proliferate, but it has potential side effects and requires more research. The conversation also mentions skepticism about a product called Vdphlo1, which includes sodium valproate and other ingredients.

      community New & Improved Hair Growth Stack for Maximum Results

      in Treatment  4 upvotes 5 months ago
      A user shared a hair growth stack using minoxidil sulfate, valproic acid, bimatoprost, blue copper peptide, and other ingredients, emphasizing a gel-based formula for better skin tolerance. Another user suggested adding a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor like finasteride or dutasteride for more effective long-term results.

      community 6 months before and after pics: VDPHL01 (oral minoxidil)

      in Progress Pictures  111 upvotes 4 months ago
      A user shared their positive experience with a clinical trial for a new oral medication, VDPHL01, which is a reformulated version of oral minoxidil taken at a high dose of 17mg daily, showing significant hair regrowth after six months. The user noted that this formulation is believed to be more effective and time-released, with fewer side effects compared to regular oral minoxidil.

      community Crazy Hair Loss Reversal! 🏳️‍⚧️💖

      in Transgender 1 week ago
      Transgender hormone therapy, including Estradiol Valerate, Spironolactone, and Progesterone Micronized, can reverse male pattern baldness and improve hair health. The user shares their positive experience with hair regrowth after transitioning from male to female.

    Related Research

    1 / 1 results