Carbamazepine as a single drug in the treatment of epilepsy. A prospective study of serum levels and seizure control.
Serum levels and seizure control were investigated in a prospective study when carbamazepine was given as a single drug to 32 patients with a variety of seizures. The patients included 13 previously untreated patients (group 1), and 19 who were unresponsive to other anticonvulsant drugs used in different combinations or as a single treatment (group 2). Thirteen patients (10 from group 1, and three from group 2) became seizure-free, and a greater than 50% reduction in seizure frequency occurred in 10 patients (nine from group 2, and one from group 1). Less than 50% reduction in seizure frequency occurred in five patients from group 2. As a wide range of serum levels was associated with complete freedom from seizures, or a greater than 50% reduction in seizure frequency, it was not possible to define a therapeutic range for carbamazepine. Side effects occurred at the start of treatment or after a dose increase. A wide range of serum levels was associated with side effects, and some patients could not tolerate levels greater than 42 mumol/l.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002220:Carbamazepine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use* / Q000633:toxicity; D002648:Child; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012640:Seizures / Q000188:drug therapy*
D002220:Carbamazepine