Felbamate in refractory partial epilepsy.
This open-label study was performed to evaluate efficacy and safety of Felbamate (FBM) add-on therapy in drug-refractory partial epilepsy. We evaluated 36 patients (12 males) aged 11-68 years (mean 29.8) in which FBM was titrated gradually from 300 mg/day to a mean total maintenance daily dose of 1936 mg. Patients were monitored according to clinical practice and performed regularly laboratory tests. Mean follow-up of FBM therapy was 10 months (range 2-27). In this study, 5% of patients resulted to be seizure-free, 11% showed a seizure reduction more than 75%, 23% decreased their seizure frequency between 50% and 75% (P = 0.0001). The adverse events which were reported more frequently were: nausea, vomiting, anorexia and weight loss. Even if the patients sample is small FBM proves its efficacy in partial epilepsy, showing a relatively well tolerated profile.
Canger
R
R
Epilepsy Regional Centre, San Paolo Hospital, University of Milan, School of Medicine, Italy. crehsp@imiucca.csi.unii.it
Vignoli
A
A
Bonardi
R
R
Guidolin
L
L
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D004351:Drug Resistance; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D004828:Epilepsies, Partial / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000078328:Felbamate; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D048448:Phenylcarbamates; D011409:Propylene Glycols / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000927:Anticonvulsants; D048448:Phenylcarbamates; D011409:Propylene Glycols; D000078328:Felbamate