Drug-induced seizures in the elderly. Causative agents and optimal management

Abstract

We conducted a review of drugs that were most commonly associated with inducing seizures in the elderly population. The method for determining the risk of these agents includes evaluating the utilisation and the percentage of adverse events in previous studies and case reports. Classes of medications, such as anti-psychotics and antidepressants, are extensively reviewed to provide the clinician with treatment options in high risk patients. The risk of seizures secondary to the withdrawal of alcohol (ethanol) and benzodiazepines, and methods employed to minimise the risk are discussed. In addition, the management of patients with drug-induced seizures is delineated. Drug-induced seizures are a potentially serious adverse effect. It is important that clinicians are aware of which classes of medications and individual medications are associated with reducing seizure threshold.