SynthesisMedical principles and practice : international journal of the Kuwait University, Health Science Centre2026
Neuropsychiatric Adverse Effects Associated with the Use of Levetiracetam in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Synthesis in Medical principles and practice : international journal of the Kuwait University, Health Science Centre, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.
What it found
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
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Who cites it
1 citing paper in PubMed.
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Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
11 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
objectiveLevetiracetam is a broad-spectrum anti-seizure medication (ASM) with a good safety profile; however, the occurrence of neuropsychiatric manifestations has been described in relation to its use. The aim of this study was to provide an updated assessment of the neuropsychiatric adverse effects related to levetiracetam in patients aged 16 and older with epilepsy, without psychiatric comorbidity, and perform a meta-analysis comparing the occurrence of neuropsychiatric adverse effects between levetiracetam, placebo, and other ASMs.
methodsA systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science. Studies published until March 14th, 2024, were included. Out of the 33 studies, 7 were randomized clinical trials comparing levetiracetam to placebo and 4 comparing levetiracetam to other ASM, all of which were selected for further quantitative analysis.
resultsSomnolence was the most frequently reported NPAE (15 articles), followed by depression (11 articles). Fatigue, aggression/agitation, cognitive and memory impairment, irritability, anxiety, and behavioral changes were also commonly described. Across pooled analyses, levetiracetam-treated patients demonstrated a significantly higher risk of somnolence/drowsiness (OR 1.61, 95% CI: 1.20-2.17) and asthenia/fatigue (OR 1.48, 95% CI: 1.04-2.11) compared with placebo. In contrast, a separate meta-analysis comparing levetiracetam to other ASMs showed no significant difference for depression (OR 1.41, 95% CI: 0.80-2.51).
conclusionPatients treated with levetiracetam have a greater risk of developing neuropsychiatric effects, such as somnolence and fatigue, compared to placebo.
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Registered trials
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