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Abstract
There is little literature on a possible link between the use of antiepileptic drugs
(AEDs) and the occurrence of suicidal ideation. Nevertheless, its occurrence needs
to be promptly recognized because it may trigger suicidal attempts. We retrospectively
evaluated a case registry of 517 patients taking levetiracetam (LEV) for suicidal
ideation, looking at possible clinical variables involved. Suicidal ideation was reported
by four patients (0.7%). All cases occurred in the context of a mood disorder presenting
early during LEV therapy. Psychopathological characteristics of suicidal ideation
were consistent in all subjects and similar to some features that are described as
typical of the so-called interictal dysphoric disorder of epilepsy.