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Bitemporal epileptiform discharges induced by bupropion: a case report
1Department of Neurology, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York, USA.
Clinical Neuropharmacology
|October 5, 2001
Summary
Bupropion, an antidepressant, can induce epileptiform discharges, a type of seizure activity, in some individuals. This case study documents the first instance of bupropion-related seizure activity in humans.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Clinical Pharmacology
Background:
- Antidepressants are widely prescribed for mood disorders.
- Bupropion is a commonly used norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI).
- Seizure risk is a known, albeit rare, side effect associated with bupropion.
Observation:
- A 44-year-old woman experienced her first convulsion.
- The convulsion occurred during treatment with bupropion.
- Electroencephalography (EEG) revealed frequent bilateral independent temporal lobe epileptiform discharges.
Findings:
- The epileptiform discharges observed on EEG resolved after discontinuation of bupropion.
- This represents the first well-documented human case of bupropion-induced epileptiform discharges.
- The findings suggest a direct causal link between bupropion and seizure activity.
Implications:
- Clinicians should be aware of the potential for bupropion to induce seizure activity.
- This case highlights the importance of considering medication side effects in new-onset seizures.
- Further research may be warranted to elucidate the mechanisms underlying bupropion-induced epileptiform discharges.