[Zonisamide as add-on treatment for focal epilepsies. An outcome analysis of 74 patients].
BACKGROUND
Evaluation of efficacy and tolerability of zonisamide (ZNS) used as an add-on treatment in patients with chronic focal epilepsies.


METHODS
Retrospective data analysis in 74 patients (38 men, 36 women), age 17-61 years (mean 35 years). Duration of epilepsy was 2-50 years (mean 23.3 years). Additional antiepileptic drugs 2-5 (mean 2.7).


RESULTS
The ZNS daily dosage varied between 100 mg and 500 mg (mean 368 mg). Seizure frequency could be estimated in 50 patients; it decreased by at least 50% in 11 patients (22%), remained unchanged in 28 patients (56%), and increased by at least 50% in 11 patients (22%). None of the patients achieved complete seizure control. Side effects were seen in 45/74 patients (60.8%). Adverse events resulting in discontinuation of treatment with ZNS were documented in 24 patients (32.4%). Out of 70 patients, 34 (48.5%) remained on ZNS 12 months after the onset of therapy.


CONCLUSIONS
In this study, ZNS proved to be an antiepileptic drug with a comparatively low anticonvulsant efficacy as an add-on treatment in patients with chronic focal epilepsies.
Wellmer
S
S
Klinik für Epileptologie, Universitätsklinikum Bonn, Sigmund-Freud-Strasse 25, 53105, Bonn.
Wellmer
J
J
Bauer
J
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D004569:Electroencephalography / Q000187:drug effects; D004828:Epilepsies, Partial / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007555:Isoxazoles / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D055815:Young Adult; D000078305:Zonisamide
D000927:Anticonvulsants; D007555:Isoxazoles; D000078305:Zonisamide