From the Research
Suitable Antidepressants for Individuals with Epilepsy
The following antidepressants are considered suitable for individuals with epilepsy:
- SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) such as sertraline, citalopram, paroxetine, fluoxetine, escitalopram, and fluvoxamine 1
- SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors) such as venlafaxine and duloxetine 1, 2
- Mirtazapine and reboxetine may also be considered 1
Antidepressants to Avoid in Individuals with Epilepsy
The following antidepressants are not recommended for individuals with epilepsy:
- Amoxapine
- Bupropion
- Clomipramine
- Maprotiline 1
Key Findings
- A review of the literature indicates that the majority of antidepressant-related seizures have been associated with either ultra-high doses or overdosing, and the risk of antidepressant-associated seizures is low 1
- There is some evidence indicating that antidepressants of most widely used groups may additionally lower the risk of triggering seizures 1
- SSRIs and SNRIs may be associated with a possible decrease in seizure frequency in patients with frequent seizures 3
- The change in seizure frequency is independent of the improvement in psychiatric symptomatology 3