Context: Seizures are the most frequent clinical emergency neurological manifestation, corresponding to 1-5% of the visits, except for trauma. Several conditions have the potential to reduce the seizure threshold, and the use of antidepressant drugs as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors is one of those reported. The seizure triggering risk related to SSRIs use is low, being 0.1%, perceptibly lower than that of tricyclic antidepressants, with a 1% rate. Case report: Male patient, previously healthy, 23-year-old, was seen at the Emergency Room in Rio Branco after a generalized seizure lasting 3 minutes. Complementary exams, including computed tomography, were all normal. Magnetic resonance imaging of the skull without atypical findings and electroencephalogram showed dysrhythmia by waves and discrete spicules. Patient reported using escitalopram (esc) 20mg for 3 months after 10mg progression dose, in use for 1 year, without clinical improvement. Due to the seizure event, medication management was switched for sertraline 50mg intake. After 2 months, the patient had a new generalized seizure, preceded by prolonged depersonalization. Complementary exams were normal, 10mg of esc was reestablished and the patient ceased with the seizures. Conclusions: The diagnostic hypothesis: patient’s seizure threshold is low, and seizures are triggered by SSRI higher doses adverse effect. Due to case rarity and SSRI efficacy and tolerance, it is suggested to encourage the discussion about administration safety of these drugs.
May depressed and anxious patients with carcinoid syndrome benefit from treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)?: findings from a case report