Gamma-vinyl GABA (vigabatrin): clinical experience in adult and adolescent patients with intractable epilepsy.
Clinical experience with gamma-vinyl GABA (GVG, vigabatrin) has accumulated mainly in Europe, where the drug has been licensed in several countries since 1989. Short-term efficacy studies in adolescent and adult patients with intractable drug-resistant epilepsy have shown that approximately 50% exhibit a reduction in seizure frequency of one-half or more but rarely complete seizure control. The best results are in patients with partial seizures with or without secondarily generalization. GVG responders have been followed for periods of up to 5 years, and overall 10-20% may exhibit subsequent seizure breakthrough, as probably occurs with any drug in such chronic patients. The most common side effect is drowsiness. Reversible behavior disorders, psychoses, and depression rarely occur in predisposed individuals. No new long-term side effects have been reported but vigilance is necessary. Studies of GVG as a first-line drug in newly diagnosed epileptic patients are proceeding.
Reynolds
E H
EH
Department of Neurology, Maudsley Hospital, London, U.K.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000614:Aminocaproates / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004828:Epilepsies, Partial / Q000188:drug therapy; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D012894:Sleep Stages; D020888:Vigabatrin
D000614:Aminocaproates; D000927:Anticonvulsants; D020888:Vigabatrin