Study Links Epilepsy Drug Levetiracetam with Increased Risk of Blood Clots and Death When Taken with DOACs

A study published in *JAMA Neurology* indicates that individuals with epilepsy who take levetiracetam concurrently with direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), such as apixaban and rivaroxaban, face nearly double the risk of stroke, heart attack, or other serious blood clots compared to those on alternative antiseizure medications. The international research also identified a 60% higher risk of death for patients using levetiracetam, though no significant difference in the risk of major bleeding was observed. Researchers stress that this finding represents a safety signal and not definitive proof of causation, advising patients not to alter their medication without consulting a medical professional.