The Use of Psychotropic Drugs in Epilepsy: What Every Neurologist Should Know

Abstract

Psychiatric disorders, such as mood, anxiety, attention deficit, and psychotic disorders, are among the most frequent comorbidities experienced by patients with epilepsy. While these psychiatric disorders have typically been considered as one of its complications, there is increasing evidence of a bidirectional relationship between the seizure disorder and mood and ADHD. Indeed, not only are patients with epilepsy at greater risk of developing these two disorders, but patients with mood and attention deficit disorders are at greater risk of developing epilepsy. Comorbid psychiatric disorders have a negative impact on the quality of life of patients with epilepsy. For patients with pharmacoresistant epilepsy, mood disorders are a stronger predictor of a worse perception of their quality of life than is their seizure frequency and severity. Thus, the use of psychotropic drugs is often necessary in patients with epilepsy, be they children or adults. Unfortunately, there are many misconceptions regarding the safety of psychotropic drugs, particularly of antidepressants and central nervous system stimulants, which are often erroneously thought of as being "proconvulsant." Such misconceptions have resulted in the undertreatment of psychiatric comorbidities in patients with epilepsy. This article provides a practical review of the use of antidepressants, central nervous system stimulants, and antipsychotic drugs in patients with epilepsy.