Aggravation of Behavioural Side Effects of Antiseizure Medications during COVID-19

Abstract

Epilepsy affects more than 50 million people worldwide, 80% of whom reside in developing countries. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the physical, emotional and psychological well-being of people across the world including patients with epilepsy, who have a higher prevalence of psychological distress during public health emergencies. Long-term adherence to therapy is crucial for the successful management of epilepsy. Anti-Seizure Medications (ASMs) are however, known to be associated with Behavioural Adverse Events (BAEs) and psychiatric adverse events. Adverse events not only are a common cause of ASM discontinuation, they also negatively impact Quality of Life (QoL) in majority of Persons with Epilepsy (PWE). Many of the proposed COVID-19 treatments also have the potential for neuropsychiatric side effects as well as drug-drug interactions. Hence, it is important to carefully consider the riskbenefit of each agent before initiating therapy in a PWE.