The Side Effects of Levetiracetam Monotherapy in Pediatric Epilepsy Patients

Levetiracetam is a broad-spectrum second-generation anti-seizure drug. Several side effects can be observed during treatment. In this study, we retrospectively evaluated the side effects of levetiracetam monotherapy in the pediatric epilepsy population and investigated potential indicators that could predict these side effects in the pediatric epilepsy population. The study included pediatric epilepsy patients aged 1-17 who were treated with levetiracetam monotherapy. Data collected included age, gender, body weight, blood pressure, duration of levetiracetam use, dosage, seizure semiology, epilepsy type, EEG and MRI findings, hematological and biochemical laboratory results, and observed side effects. Eighty-five patients were included in the study, with 25 (29%) experiencing side effects. Treatment was discontinued in 11 patients due to these effects. The most common side effects were agitation (9%), headache (6%), and fatigue (5%). No significant relationship was found between side effects and gender, body weight, seizure type, levetiracetam dose, treatment duration, EEG results, or MRI findings. However, vitamin B12 levels were lower in patients with side effects compared to those without. Additionally, side effects were more frequently observed in older age groups. Levetiracetam treatment has been linked to both physical and behavioral side effects, which were more commonly observed in older age groups. The most frequently reported side effects were agitation, headache, and fatigue. Additionally, lower B12 levels may contribute to the onset of certain side effects.