Perampanel (PER) is a new selective, non-competitive AMPA glutamate receptor antagonist. PER is generally well tolerated, with dizziness, somnolence, headache, and fatigue as the most common treatment-emergent adverse events, however neuropsychiatric adverse reactions; particularly irritability and aggressiveness can be expected.

We describe a patient who developed and acute confusional state presumably related to treatment with PER.

At the conclusion, the participants should be able to remember that PER is associated with psychiatric side effects.

Collect the data of the clinical history of the patient, who was admitted in the acute psychiatry ward of our hospital.

A 32-year-old woman diagnosed with pharmacoresistant juvenile myoclonic epilepsy, was referred to the emergency department because of severe behavioral disturbances, insomnia, irritability and aggressivity after increasing the dose of PER from 6 to 12 mg. Physical exploration, drug screen and blood tests were all normal. No abnormalities were found in CT, EEG and MRI, and then she was referred to psychiatric ward. At her admission, she presented fluctuations of her mental state and level of consciousness. She was diagnosed with acute confusional syndrome induced by PER, and consequently PER was stopped and risperidone was initiated. In the 4th week symptomatology remitted.

Anti-epileptic drug's (AEDs) are associated with psychiatric side effects. Patients with epilepsy have higher risk develop psychiatric symptoms and behavioral disturbances. There is evidence to suggest that AMPA receptors are involved in the pathogenesis of psychiatric conditions. Such mechanisms could be responsible of the psychiatric symptoms observed. Neuropsychological profiles of AEDs are important considerations for treatment selection, particularly in children and adolescents.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.