Effect of levetiracetam on depression and anxiety in adult epileptic patients

Abstract

Background Interictal depression is common in patients with epilepsy and it significantly impacts quality of life. Some studies indicate that levetiracetam (LEV) may have mood stabilizing properties. Methods Twenty-five adults with uncontrolled partial seizures and concomitant depressive symptoms were treated with LEV. Patients were evaluated for depression and anxiety with several psychometric measures, including: Montgomery and Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), Zung Self-rating Scale for Depression (Z-SDS), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS), Zung Self-rating Scale for Anxiety (Z-SAS). Results Evaluations after 5 weeks and after 3 months of LEV treatment demonstrated significant improvement in depression and anxiety. Conclusions This uncontrolled study suggests that treatment with LEV may also improve depression and anxiety in patients with partial seizures. However, the sample of patients is limited and the possibility of a placebo effect cannot be excluded. These findings must be considered preliminary and should be replicated under placebo-controlled conditions.