Medications That Can Induce Seizures

Common Medication Classes Associated with Seizures

Trazodone has been reported to cause prolonged seizures, particularly when used concurrently with electroconvulsive therapy, in a population of patients with various psychiatric conditions, according to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry 1
Most antipsychotic medications lower the seizure threshold in a dose-dependent manner, with seizure incidence usually <1% at therapeutic doses, as stated by the American Academy of Pediatrics 2
Clozapine has a significantly higher seizure risk (approximately 5%) at high dosages compared to other antipsychotics, as reported by the American Academy of Pediatrics 2
Phenothiazines, butyrophenones, and other typical antipsychotics have been associated with seizures, according to the European Society of Cardiology 3
Certain fluoroquinolones (particularly levofloxacin and geprafloxacin) can induce QT prolongation and seizures, as stated by the European Society of Cardiology 3
Pentamidine used for Pneumocystis pneumonia treatment has been associated with polymorphic ventricular arrhythmias and seizures, according to the European Society of Cardiology 3
Imidazole antifungal agents like ketoconazole can block potassium channels and potentially lower seizure threshold, as reported by the European Society of Cardiology 3

Theophylline, at both therapeutic and toxic levels, is known to prolong seizure duration, in patients with seizure disorders, according to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry 1
Amantadine has been associated with increased seizure activity in patients with seizure disorders, as stated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 4
Naltrexone/bupropion combination therapy carries a seizure risk due to the bupropion component, in a population of patients with obesity, according to the American Gastroenterological Association 5

Lithium with electroconvulsive therapy has been associated with an acute brain syndrome, in patients with psychiatric conditions, according to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry 1
Combination of drugs that inhibit cytochrome P450 enzymes (like macrolide antibiotics or imidazoline fungicides) with tricyclic antidepressants can increase plasma levels and seizure risk, as reported by the European Society of Cardiology 3

Rimantadine should be used with caution in patients with seizure disorders as seizure-like activity has been observed, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 4
Naltrexone/bupropion should be avoided in patients with history of seizures or conditions predisposing to seizures, as stated by the American Gastroenterological Association 5
Antipsychotic-induced seizures are rare (<1%) at therapeutic doses except for clozapine (5% at high doses), as reported by the American Academy of Pediatrics 2
Patients with febrile seizures should not receive antipyretics solely to prevent seizures, as this is not effective, according to the American Heart Association 6