Impact of antiepileptic therapy on the course of affective disorders in women with epilepsy

Abstract

The impact of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) on affective disorders was analyzed in women with epilepsy. One hundred and one reproductive-aged epileptic patients with depressive and emotionally labile disorders were examined. Thirty-two (31.7%) and 64 (63.4%) took one and two AEDs, respectively; 5 (4.9%) patients did not take. New-generation AEDs were shown to have a more favorable profile of psychotropic effects than traditional ones. The positive psychotropic effects of lamotrigine in treating epilepsy in women with affective disorders are described.

Keywords

• affective disorders
• depression
• epilepsy
• reproductive-aged women
• antiepileptic therapy