Assessing the Incidence Rate of Neuropsychiatric Adverse Effects in Older Adults Following Levetiracetam Initiation: A Retrospective Study

Abstract

Background: Levetiracetam (LEV) is commonly prescribed for epilepsy management. However, neuropsychiatric disorders (NPDs) are concerning adverse effects that may result in medication discontinuation. This study aims to examine the incidence and factors influencing LEV associated NPDs in adult patients aged 50 years and above. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients aged 50 years and above prescribed LEV between 2010 and 2020, with at least one follow-up appointment six months post-treatment initiation. The incidence of new-onset or aggravated NPDs and variables potentially influencing this risk were examined. Independent t-test, chi-squared, and Fisher’s exact test were used, in addition to univariate and multivariate logistic regression. Results: The study included 100 patients with a mean age at LEV start of 63.31 years (SD = 16.48). Neuropsychiatric symptoms were observed in 6 (6.0%) patients. Factors associated with new-onset NPDs were younger age at epilepsy diagnosis (p=0.005), younger age at LEV start (p=0.004), and concurrent use of Carbamazepine/Oxcarbazepine (p=0.004). On multivariate analysis, only the association with Carbamazepine/Oxcarbazepine remained significant (OR 14.62, 95% CI 1.86–114.70, p=0.011). Conclusion: The findings indicate that the incidence of NPDs in elderly patients is relatively low (6%). Further research with larger samples is needed in comparison with a younger sample as a control group to confirm these findings.