Background: Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures, which can significantly impact the lives of affected individuals. Levetiracetam, a preferred antiepileptic drug (AED) for women of childbearing age, is widely used due to its efficacy, good tolerability, and low risk of fatal malformations. Its role as a first-line treatment for generalized epilepsy has recently gained prominence, particularly in women of reproductive age. Objectives: This study aims to investigate the clinical profile and behavioral side effects in childbearing-age female epilepsy patients on levetiracetam monotherapy, with a focus on the association between treatment and the development of behavioral adverse effects. Methods: An observational cohort study was conducted on 55 female epilepsy patients (aged 18-49 years) receiving levetiracetam monotherapy at the Department of Neurology, Government Medical College, Kota, over a one-year period. Patients on polytherapy, those with pre-existing psychiatric illnesses, or substance abuse were excluded. Behavioral symptoms were assessed using the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) at the time of presentation and after one month of treatment. Results: The cohort had a mean age of 28.93 ± 4.496 years. Of the participants, 36.4% (20/55) had an onset of epilepsy ≤10 years, and 60% (33/55) experienced generalized tonic-clonic seizures. Behavioral assessments revealed that levetiracetam treatment led to increased symptoms of anxiety, tension, and depressive mood. Among the participants, 19 patients showed a noticeable increase in behavioral symptoms, as evidenced by higher BPRS scores, while 36 patients showed no significant change in psychiatric symptoms. Conclusion: The study provides valuable insights into the clinical characteristics and behavioral side effects of levetiracetam in female epilepsy patients. It highlights the increased vulnerability of pregnant women to anxiety symptoms, emphasizing the need for close monitoring and individualized treatment strategies to address the unique needs of this population.

Women with epilepsy, Levetiracetam, Behavioral side effects, Anxiety, Depression, Monotherapy, Childbearing age.