title: Does pyridoxine control behavioral symptoms in adult patients treated with levetiracetam? Case series from UAE.
abstract: Behavioral symptoms are known side effects of levetiracetam. Previous case series in children and adolescents have demonstrated the potential effect of pyridoxine in ameliorating these symptoms. We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 51 patients treated with pyridoxine to control agitation and irritability following the introduction of levetiracetam. These symptoms were relieved in 34 patients (66.6%). Seventeen patients did not appear to benefit from this supplementation. This preliminary study suggests that pyridoxine might be an effective option across all ages for patients suffering from levetiracetam-induced behavioral side effects.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC), Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
authors.forename: Taoufik
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Alsaadi
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC), Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
authors.forename: Khadija
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: El Hammasi
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC), Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
authors.forename: Tarek M
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: Shahrour
keywords: Behavior; Irritability; Levetiracetam; Pyridoxine; Vitamin B6