Pyridoxine Add-On Treatment for the Control of Behavioral Adverse Effects Induced by Levetiracetam in Children: A Case-Control Prospective Study

Abstract

Background: Few studies on adult and pediatric patients have shown pyridoxine efficacy as additional therapy for those receiving levetiracetam (LEV) to prevent and mitigate behavioral adverse effects (BAEs). Objective: The aim of our study was to analyze the safety and efficacy of pyridoxine supplementation in the prevention of LEV adverse effects, including suicidal ideation. Methods: This randomized, case-control trial included patients receiving LEV as monotherapy treatment. Patients were subdivided into 2 groups, according to whether they were treated with LEV only (group 1) or LEV with supplemental pyridoxine (group 2). Results: In both cohorts, the most frequent BAEs were irritability/aggression followed by depression and confusion. Those patients (92%) who initiated pyridoxine after 1 month of LEV treatment did not need to change or suspend LEV ( P < 0.001), and BAE improved after 9.06 ± 3.05 days of pyridoxine supplementation. None of the patients complained of symptoms of pyridoxine toxicity, and no new adverse effects of LEV off-label were reported. Conclusions: In our study, we found pyridoxine to be safe and effective in controlling LEV-induced BAEs in children.