Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures Medication

Updated: Jul 26, 2018
  • Author: Selim R Benbadis, MD; Chief Editor: Helmi L Lutsep, MD  more...
  • Print
Medication

Medication Summary

A pilot study in 2010 suggested serotonin selective reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may be helpful in reducing seizures in PNES. [15] In a 2013 study, researchers conducted a single-center, double-blind, pilot randomized controlled clinical trial that compared the effects of sertraline and placebo on nonepileptic seizure rates in adults diagnosed with PNES. [21] Of the 128 patients eligible for the study, 38 were randomized to either sertraline or placebo titration group. Dosage in the sertraline group started at 25 mg daily and increased to 50 mg at two weeks and kept increasing further in 50 mg increments to a maximum of 200 mg daily, as tolerated. Frequency of nonepileptic seizures was assessed every 2 weeks for 12 weeks. Seizure frequency at 12 weeks did not differ between the sertraline and placebo groups (relative risk [RR], 0.51; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.25–1.05; P =0.29). Within-group analysis, which compared the 12-week and baseline event rates, revealed significant reductioninthe sertraline group (RR, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.32–0.93; P =0.03); but not in the placebo group (8% increase; P =0.78). [21]