Key points:
- The routine use of LAEP in epilepsy clinics may enhance identification
and quantification of adverse effects, and will also help in
recognizing persons with epilepsy who are more likely to become
depressed, and can be referred for psychiatric evaluation and
management.
- The most common adverse events were feeling of anger/ aggression
(92.9%), nervousness and/or agitation (72.7%), memory problems
(67.6%), tiredness (62.5%), headache (54.7%), restlessness
(43.6%), hair loss (43.4%), depression (43%) and disturbed sleep
(39.2%)
- Persons with epilepsy on polytherapy, and those who were positive for
depression had higher LAEP score.
- At a cut-off of ≥ 28, LAEP can screen persons with epilepsy positive
for co-morbid depression as well as monitor the AEs of ASMs.