The pharmacological treatment of depression in adults with epilepsy

Abstract

Background: Comorbid mood disorders may affect quality of life in people with epilepsy. Objective: To review available data on the use of antidepressant drugs in epilepsy taking into account major concerns that may be encountered by clinicians, namely pharmacokinetic interactions with antiepileptic medications and seizure aggravation. Results: Data on pharmacotherapy of depression in epilepsy are limited with no controlled clinical trials investigating efficacy and safety of antidepressants. Data on seizure risk come from psychiatric samples, thus limiting the general applicability to people with epilepsy. Conclusions: Antidepressant drug doses need to be used and adjusted according to individual clinical needs. Within the therapeutic range, the incidence of seizures in psychiatric populations is low for most antidepressants.