Felbamate.
OBJECTIVE
To provide an up-to-date review of the current literature on felbamate (FBM) and its use as an antiepileptic medication (AEM).


METHODS
All published literature (manuscripts and abstracts) on FBM was reviewed. The initial bibliography (up to September 1992) was provided by the manufacturer (Carter-Wallace Laboratories); subsequent literature was obtained from American Epilepsy Society presentations in December 1992 and manuscripts published up to January 1993.


METHODS
All pertinent literature was reviewed. Information from the publications was abstracted and organized by the author.


RESULTS
FBM is effective in complex partial seizures either as monotherapy or as an adjunct in patients receiving other AEMs. In addition, it has shown efficacy in some seizures associated with the Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Adverse effects appear to be mild. When FBM is given as monotherapy, the primary adverse effects are insomnia and weight loss. Patients receiving multiple AEMs may have increased adverse effects.


CONCLUSIONS
FBM appears to be an effective new AEM. Additional studies as to its role in newly diagnosed and pregnant patients are needed. Pharmacokinetic studies in children, patients with renal failure, and patients on nonepilepsy drugs also are needed.
Graves
N M
NM
College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis 55415.
D000328:Adult; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004347:Drug Interactions; D004828:Epilepsies, Partial / Q000188:drug therapy; D000078328:Felbamate; D006801:Humans; D048448:Phenylcarbamates; D011409:Propylene Glycols / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000927:Anticonvulsants; D048448:Phenylcarbamates; D011409:Propylene Glycols; D000078328:Felbamate