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Hypothyroidism induced by anti-epileptic therapy
Acta Neurologica Scandinavica
|May 1, 1980
Summary
Long-term use of anti-epileptic drugs like phenytoin and carbamazepine can cause hypothyroidism. Drug withdrawal normalized thyroid hormone levels in affected patients.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Neurology
Background:
- Anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) are commonly prescribed for seizure disorders.
- Long-term use of certain AEDs has been associated with various endocrine abnormalities.
Observation:
- Two patients on long-term AED therapy presented with symptoms of hypothyroidism.
- One patient was treated with both phenytoin and carbamazepine; the other with carbamazepine alone.
Findings:
- Clinical hypothyroidism was diagnosed in both patients via laboratory assays.
- Thyroid hormone levels normalized, and patients became euthyroid after discontinuing the AEDs.
Implications:
- Phenytoin and carbamazepine may induce hypothyroidism.
- Clinicians should monitor thyroid function in patients on long-term anti-epileptic treatment.
- Discontinuation of these AEDs can reverse drug-induced hypothyroidism.