Fatigue levetiracetam

Levetiracetam is a piracetam derivative used in the treatment of refractory partial seizures. In trials it has shown an excellent tolerability profile. The main dose-related adverse effects are sedation, fatigue, and headache. Other possible adverse effects include dizziness, unsteadiness, diplopia, nausea, infection, memory impairment, and disturbances of mood and behavior, although in controlled trials the incidence of most of these was no greater than with placebo (1). 

Psychological The effects of levetiracetam on cognitive/behavior have been evaluated in a prospective, uncontrolled, open study in 24 cognitively impaired epileptic elderly individuals [210. There was fatigue in five and no significant changes in behavioral or functional measures. 

A 73-year-old black man with stage 4 kidney disease was given levetiracetam 500 mg bd for treatment of partial seizures. After 5 months he developed new-onset depression, with low mood, weight loss, and fatigue. Levetiracetam was withdrawn and 4 weeks later the depressive symptoms had nearly completely resolved. 

A study of the efficacy and tolerability of levetiracetam in patients with intractable epilepsy in Israel reported no side effects in 62% of participants. Irritability and impulsiveness occurred in 26.9%. Physical side effects including primarily fatigue and astiienia occurred in 16% [88 ]. 

An observational study following 66 adults and children treated with levetiracetam after traumatic brain injury found that the most common adverse events were fatigue, headache, and somnolence [90 ]. Mood scores and number of infections did not differ between the treatment and observation groups. Two of the 66 patients stopped treatment due to somnolence. 

An observational study of 103 pafienfs was performed to assess cognition and behavior in children taking levetiracetam. Ninety-four patients reported adverse events, of which 47 were drug-relafed and included headache (8.7%), irritability (7.8%), aggression (6.8%), fatigue (4.9%), convulsion (3.9%), and abnormal behavior (3.9%) [91 ]. Nineteen (18.5%) patients experienced behavioral problems such as irritability, aggression, or abnormal behavior, which were attributed to levetiracetam. 

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