“Homicide and Zonisamide”: a review of the literature and illustrative case report on second and third generation antiseizure medications and psychiatric effects - Summary - MDSpire

“Homicide and Zonisamide”: a review of the literature and illustrative case report on second and third generation antiseizure medications and psychiatric effects

  • By

  • Stefanie Nguyen

  • Thomas C. Varkey

  • Briana Khan

  • M. Christian Cornelius

  • June 1, 2026

  • 0 min

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Objective:

To document a case of homicidal ideation associated with zonisamide use and to review the psychiatric side effects of antiseizure medications (ASMs), including but not limited to depression, anxiety, and aggression.

Key Findings:
  • Homicidal ideation emerged in a patient following the initiation of zonisamide, highlighting a potential risk.
  • No prior cases explicitly linking homicidal ideation to zonisamide were found in the literature, indicating a gap in research.
  • Zonisamide may contribute to psychiatric adverse effects in susceptible individuals, necessitating careful monitoring.
Interpretation:

The case highlights the need for increased awareness of potential psychiatric side effects of ASMs, particularly in patients with pre-existing vulnerabilities, and suggests a need for further research.

Limitations:
  • The literature review did not find previous documented cases of homicidal ideation associated with zonisamide, limiting the context for this case.
  • The case report is based on a single patient experience, which may not be representative of broader patient populations.
Conclusion:

This is the first documented case of homicidal ideation as an adverse event of zonisamide, emphasizing the critical importance of monitoring psychiatric effects in patients on ASMs and the need for further investigation into this area.

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