Original Article
Usefulness of yokukansan administration for annoyance by synaptic vesicle inhibitory antiepileptic drugs
2020 Volume 6 Issue 1 Pages 1-5
Details
2020 Volume 6 Issue 1 Pages 1-5
Levetiracetam (LEV) is a widely used antiepileptic drug, which work by inhibiting synaptic vesicles. LEV often causes irritability as adverse effect, which disturbs the adherence of medication. In this study, we examined whether the combined use of yokukansan can improve the irritability without reducing or withdrawal of LEV.
Five patients were included in this study. Four patients were suffered from focal epilepsy and the other was generalized epilepsy. LEV achieved seizure free in all patients, however, irritability appeared soon after the start of LEV administration. After the addition of yokukansan, irritability significantly decreased in Numerical Rating Scale (NRS; 76%; p<0.01). All patients continued LEV medication without reducing doses or withdrawal. In conclusion, yokukansan add–on therapy was effective in reducing the irritability caused by LEV and may contribute the adherence.
