Felbamate relieved trigeminal neuralgia.
OBJECTIVE
The analgesic efficacy of the novel anticonvulsant felbamate was evaluated in trigeminal neuralgia.


METHODS
This trial was offered in a tertiary referral center to three outpatients with severe pain who had exhausted other medical options, yet did not wish to undergo surgery.


METHODS
Felbamate was prescribed as the sole analgesic for approximately 1 month.


METHODS
A visual analogue scale was utilized.


RESULTS
Felbamate potently diminished the severe pain of trigeminal neuralgia and was well tolerated. The drug was withdrawn because of subsequent reports elsewhere of aplastic anemia and hepatic failure associated with it when used for epilepsy.


CONCLUSIONS
Preliminary evidence suggested that felbamate was effective in relieving trigeminal neuralgia. Stabilization of neuronal membrane depolarization was the most likely mechanism of action. However, significant potential risks preclude further use of felbamate in the management of nonmalignant pain. Principles that have proven useful in screening for new anticonvulsant drugs might be relevant to the development of methods by which to search for new analgesic drugs.
Cheshire
W P
WP
Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA.
D000368:Aged; D000700:Analgesics / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000078328:Felbamate; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008439:Maxillary Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy; D008875:Middle Aged; D009437:Neuralgia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D048448:Phenylcarbamates; D011409:Propylene Glycols / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014276:Trigeminal Nerve
D000700:Analgesics; D048448:Phenylcarbamates; D011409:Propylene Glycols; D000078328:Felbamate