Seizures associated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors: A case of pharmacologically induced epileptic myoclonia

Antidepressant use and the risk of seizure: a meta-analysis of observational studies

PURPOSE

The association between antidepressant use and the risk of seizures remains controversial. Therefore, this meta-analysis examined whether antidepressant use affects the risk of seizures.

METHODS

To identify relevant observational studies, we conducted systematic searches in PubMed and Embase of studies published through May 2023. Random-effects models were used to estimate overall relative risk.

RESULTS

Our meta-analysis included eight studies involving 1,709,878 individuals. Our results showed that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) (odds ratio [OR] 1.48, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.32-1.66; P < 0.001) and selective noradrenalin reuptake inhibitors (SNRI) (OR 1.65, 95% CI 1.24-2.19; P = 0.001), but not tricyclic antidepressants (TCA) (OR 1.27, 95% CI 0.84-1.92; P = 0.249), were associated with an increased risk of seizures. Subgroup analyses revealed an OR of 2.35 (95% CI 1.7, 3.24; P < 0.001) among short-term (< 30 days) antidepressant users.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this meta-analysis support an increased risk of seizures in new-generation antidepressant users, expanding previous knowledge by demonstrating a more pronounced risk in short-term users.