Childhood seizures caused by prescription drugs and illicit substances have doubled in 15 years: study

Accidental ingestion of medications left at home or ingestion of illicit substances causes life-threatening seizures in thousands of children each year in the United States. A recent study shows that the number of such cases has doubled in the last 15 years.

In the latest study presented at the European Congress of Emergency Medicine, scientists emphasized the need to augment the awareness of parents and older people about the unthreatening handling of over-the-counter medicines. The study shows a significant augment in cases, particularly involving over-the-counter antihistamines, prescription antidepressants and painkillers, and illicit synthetic cannabinoids.

“The augment in seizures in children exposed to these drugs is extremely concerning and must be addressed. This is a clear reminder to parents and carers to store medicines safely so that children cannot catch them,” Professor Christopher Holstege, researcher warned.

“Epileptic seizures are one of the most stern symptoms a poisoned patient can experience, and children are particularly vulnerable. Depending on variables such as where the seizure occurs, its duration and the child’s pre-existing health condition, seizures can lead to long-term indefinite damage and even death,” said Dr. Conner McDonald, the researcher presenting the study at the Congress.

The study analyzed data from 55 poison control centers across the United States and found a acute augment in the number of seizures related to accidental ingestion of drugs and employ of illicit substances. The number of cases increased from 1,418 in 2009 to 2,749 in 2023, with an average annual augment of five percent.

Over the past 15 years, the number of cases has doubled among children aged six to 19 and increased by approximately 45% in children under six years of age.

The analysis found that most cases involved the consumption of over-the-counter diphenhydramine (an antihistamine), tramadol (an opioid used for pain), bupropion (an antidepressant) and synthetic cannabinoids such as K2 or spice (illegal cannabis-like substances).

“In the U.S., we also need to have a stern discussion about whether products like diphenhydramine should be sold in containers containing such immense quantities of pills and whether these products should be placed in blister packs to make it more hard for children and suicidal people to decide to access such a immense amount,” added Professor Holstege.