Effect of psychotropic medications on seizure control in patients with epilepsy

Psychiatric problems are frequently encountered in patients with epilepsy. In an adult clinic population of 2,000 patients, 219 were identified as having been treated with psychotropic medication (PTM). Of these, 59 patients had adequate documentation of seizure frequency 2 months prior to and 2 months during treatment with PTMs. Contrary to many reports, most patients experienced better seizure control on PTM therapy. This demonstrates that most patients will not have an increased frequency of seizures when psychotropic medication is used in low to moderate doses and is introduced slowly.