Felbamate-induced headache.
We prospectively investigated drug-induced headaches (HA) among 60 epileptic patients receiving felbamate (FBM). Twenty patients (33%) experienced HA. HA was pounding in 11 (55%), steady in 9 (45%), moderate or severe in 19 (95%), occurred at least once a week in all patients, and was relieved by nonnarcotic analgesics in 14 (70%). Mean duration on FBM before HA onset was 19 days. HA occurred with higher FBM doses and was relieved in 8 of 13 patients (62%) with FBM dose reduction. FBM was discontinued in most cases because of risks of anemia or hepatitis; not because of HA. Other side effects included insomnia (25%), gastrointestinal symptoms (27%), and agitation or restlessness (23%). HA is a common dose-related complication of FBM, occurs early after initiation of FBM treatment, and is relieved by dose reduction.
Ettinger
A B
AB
Department of Neurology, State University of New York at Stony Brook 11794-8121, USA.
Jandorf
L
L
Berdia
A
A
Andriola
M R
MR
Krupp
L B
LB
Weisbrot
D M
DM
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000078328:Felbamate; D005260:Female; D006261:Headache / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D048448:Phenylcarbamates; D011409:Propylene Glycols / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011446:Prospective Studies
D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic; D000927:Anticonvulsants; D048448:Phenylcarbamates; D011409:Propylene Glycols; D000078328:Felbamate