Can antidepressants cause adult onset seizures?
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Yes, there is a possibility that an antidepressant can cause seizures. Some of the older antidepressants include amitriptyline, bupropion, doxepin, maprotiline, mianserin, nomifensine, nortriptyline. The newer antidepressants are less likely to cause seizures but still have a risk of causing seizures.
While antidepressant can cause seizures, they do not cause epilepsy or seizure disorders. Antidepressants make seizures more likely to occur if a person already has a disorder. This is known as "lowering the seizure threshold" and occurs with virtually all antidepressants. In some cases a seizure may be caused by these medicines alone, but do not occur again if the medicine is discontinued. One drug in particular, Buproprion, has been seen to cause seizures. It is marketed as Zyban (an aid to quit smoking) and Wellbutrin.
Yes, there is a possibility that an antidepressant can cause seizures. Some of the older antidepressants include amitriptyline, bupropion, doxepin, maprotiline, mianserin, nomifensine, nortriptyline. The newer antidepressants are less likely... More -
Dr. Irene Semenov of NorthShore University HealthSystem answered:Many causes of adult onset seizures exist, including genetic and acquired ones. Certain types of medications, including antidepressants, may trigger seizures, but this is not considered to be a cause of epilepsy. While it occurs in the minority of patients, it is more likely to happen in someone who has an underlying seizure disorder. If you have a history of seizures you should check with your doctor whether it is safe for you to take antidepressant medications.
Many causes of adult onset seizures exist, including genetic and acquired ones. Certain types of medications, including antidepressants, may trigger seizures, but this is not considered to be a cause of epilepsy. While it occurs in the... More
