Neuroleptics and epilepsy in mentally handicapped patients

A retrospective investigation of mentally handicapped inpatients showed that neuroleptic treatment did not precipitate fits in patients without a past history of convulsions when low to moderate dosages were used. However, neuroleptic treatment did increase the number of fits in certain patients with a history of epilepsy who were receiving inadequate anticonvulsant medication or whose fits were poorly controlled despite adequate anticonvulsant levels. Guidelines for clinical practice drawn from these findings are presented.