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Article
Treatment of depression in patients with epilepsy
U.S.Pharmacist
  • Mebanga Ojong
  • Shari N. Allen, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2012
Abstract

Depression is more prevalent in patients with epilepsy than in the general population. The condition remains underdiagnosed because of underreporting of signs and symptoms. Another reason for lack of treatment is the belief that antidepressants have proconvulsant effects. Many antidepressants are known to lower the seizure threshold; however, data indicate that, at low doses, antidepressants possess anticonvulsant properties. Evidence also suggests that when an antidepressant is used within its therapeutic dosage range, the risk of seizure activity is low. When selecting an antidepressant for use in a patient with epilepsy, the clinician should carefully consider drug-drug interactions between antiepileptics and antidepressants. In general, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are considered first-line therapy. The efficacy of antidepressants in epilepsy patients may be enhanced with supportive therapy or psychotherapy.

Comments

This article was published in U.S.Pharmacist, Volume 37, Issue 11, Pages 29-32.

The published version is available at http://www.uspharmacist.com/content/c/37593/ .

Copyright © 2012 Jobson, LLC.

Citation Information
Mebanga Ojong and Shari N. Allen. "Treatment of depression in patients with epilepsy" U.S.Pharmacist Vol. 37 Iss. 11 (2012) p. 29 - 32
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/shari_allen/8/