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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is It Possible That Anti-epileptic Medicines For Seizure May Lead To Depression?

Hi my husband had a seizure about 4 years ago and wasn t seen by a doctor. He had one on January and we saw a neurologist. He has had a sleep deprived eeg and an MRI of the brain. Neither test showed anything. He is on his 3rd different medication since January because he is not tolerating the anti epileptic meds. He is scheduled for a 7 day stay for an eeg/EKG in May. We have been trying to get a second opinion but all appointments aren t available until after his 7day stay. He now has depression from this medicine and basically the neurologist told him that if he feels like vomitting suicide to go to ER. And to stay on these meds for another month in a half until his 7 day stay. Does this sound right?
Thu, 18 Dec 2014
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Neurologist,  's  Response
I read your question and I understand your concern.

It would have been easier to answer if you had provided the name of the medicine he is taking. Some anti-epileptic drugs can at times cause mood changes. It is a rare side effect though, if present on all three medications you have tried it's unlikely, there might be other predisposing causes and I think you should consult a psychiatrist for the diagnosis and possible treatment.
If you feel the symptoms are severe and strongly related to the treatment then I would consider at least lowering the dose or stop the treatment (gradually not abruptly). His seizures seem to have been rare and so if a case of major depression it is at times a matter of compromise, the biggest evil must be addressed first. If just mild mood change you can wait for one more month.
If severe enough to contemplate suicide then I agree you should present to ER because psychiatric evaluation is urgent.

I hope to have been of help.
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Is It Possible That Anti-epileptic Medicines For Seizure May Lead To Depression?

I read your question and I understand your concern. It would have been easier to answer if you had provided the name of the medicine he is taking. Some anti-epileptic drugs can at times cause mood changes. It is a rare side effect though, if present on all three medications you have tried it s unlikely, there might be other predisposing causes and I think you should consult a psychiatrist for the diagnosis and possible treatment. If you feel the symptoms are severe and strongly related to the treatment then I would consider at least lowering the dose or stop the treatment (gradually not abruptly). His seizures seem to have been rare and so if a case of major depression it is at times a matter of compromise, the biggest evil must be addressed first. If just mild mood change you can wait for one more month. If severe enough to contemplate suicide then I agree you should present to ER because psychiatric evaluation is urgent. I hope to have been of help.