pharmacologic causes of seizures

Last reviewed 05/2021

Drugs which may initiate seizures include:

  • withdrawal from alcohol or alcohol itself, barbiturates, benzodiazepines or phenothiazines
  • overdose, for example, with antidepressants
  • toxins, for example, lead poisoning
  • specific drugs, including:
    • phenothiazines
    • MAO inhibitors
    • tricyclic antidepressants
    • amphetamines
    • lignocaine
    • cocaine