A Case of Obsessiveness Induced by Levetiracetam in a Patient With Epilepsy, Intellectual Disability and Pervasive Developmental Disorder
Michael Sherer, M.D. & Scott Padilla, M.A.

We describe an individual with mild intellectual disability, pervasive developmental disorder, and childhood-onset epilepsy with primary generalized seizures. In the period following initiation of treatment with levetiracetam, one of the newer anticonvulsant medications, this individual experienced the onset of symptoms of obsessiveness. Following our speculation regarding a possible association between the symptoms and the medication, the levetiracetam was tapered and eventually discontinued. The symptoms dissipated as the levetiracetam was reduced and discontinued. We believe that this is the first demonstration of an association between levetiracetam and symptoms related to obsessive-compulsive disorder.