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Published on: September 20, 2024
Levetiracetam-Induced Psychosis in the Setting of Intracranial Cavernomas
Daniel Majarwitz1, Mariam Dvalishvili2, Irene Pastis1
1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, East Carolina University-Vidant Medical Center, Greenville, NC, USA.
Abstract:
Levetiracetam is a commonly used antiepileptic medication that has been associated with the development of psychosis. Cavernomas are vascular malformations that have been associated with psychosis as well, especially in the setting of hemorrhagic transformation. This case report describes a patient with cavernomas who developed psychotic symptoms after restarting her levetiracetam at a high dose (2000 mg twice a day) without gradual uptitration. Her symptoms improved upon the reduction of the levetiracetam as well as the initiation of paliperidone. This case highlights the importance of considering the biologic and medication-related factors for the development of psychosis, as well as the importance of gradual medication adjustments.
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