Levetiracetam induced weight loss in two children

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Koul, Roshan | Al-Futaisi, Amna

Affiliations: Department of Child Health (Neurology), Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman

Note: [] Correspondence: Dr. Roshan Koul, MD, DM, FRCPCH, FAAN, Senior Consultant and Pediatric Neurologist, Department of Child Health (Neurology), Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman. BW-1, P Box 38. E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract: Two children with refractory seizures had significant weight loss on addition of levetiracetam. Despite improved seizure control, we had to withdraw levetiracetam. Withdrawal of the drug resulted in gradual improvement of weight. Similar findings were reported in adult patients. Although, levetiracetam is generally believed not to affect weight, these recent reports indicate that this drug has the potential of inducing considerable weight loss in both adults and children. Parents need to be warned about this potential side effect.

Keywords: Levetiracetam, weight loss, epilepsy

Journal: Journal of Pediatric Neurology, vol. 6, no. 3, pp. 257-260, 2008