Journal
EPILEPSY & BEHAVIOR
Volume 61, Issue -, Pages 282-286Publisher
ACADEMIC PRESS INC ELSEVIER SCIENCE
DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2016.03.022
Keywords
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors; Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors; Focal epilepsy; Clomipramine; Bupropion; Animal models of epilepsy
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For a long time, there has been a misconception that all antidepressant drugs have proconvulsant effects. Yet, antidepressants of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) families have been not only shown to be safe when used in patients with epilepsy (PWE) but have been found to display antiepileptic properties in animal models of epilepsy. In humans randomized to SSRIs vs. a placebo for the treatment of primary major depressive episodes, the incidence of epileptic seizures was significantly lower among those treated with the antidepressants. On the other hand, SSRIs and SNRIs can display proconvulsant properties at toxic doses. This article reviews the preclinical and clinical data of antiepileptic and proconvulsant properties of these drugs and addresses special considerations to take when prescribing them for PWE. (C) 2016 Published by Elsevier Inc.
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