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Felbamate as add-on therapy
1Institute of Neurology, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, UK.
European Neurology
|January 1, 1996
Summary
Felbamate shows efficacy as an anti-epileptic drug (AED) for refractory epilepsy. While serious side effects like aplastic anemia were not observed, behavioral issues led to discontinuation in some patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Felbamate is a novel anti-epileptic drug (AED).
- Recent reports have linked felbamate to aplastic anemia and liver failure.
- This necessitates careful evaluation of its safety and efficacy profile.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the tolerability and efficacy of felbamate.
- To evaluate felbamate in adult patients with refractory epilepsy.
- To monitor for adverse events, including aplastic anemia and liver failure.
Main Methods:
- An open-label, add-on study design.
- Inclusion of 111 adult patients with refractory epilepsy.
- A mean follow-up period of 4 months.
Main Results:
- 57% of patients continued felbamate treatment.
- 21% discontinued due to adverse events, most commonly behavioral disturbances.
- No cases of aplastic anemia or liver failure were reported.
- 7% achieved >95% seizure reduction, including 2 seizure-free patients.
- 13% experienced significant seizure frequency reduction (>50%).
Conclusions:
- Felbamate demonstrates efficacy as a broad-spectrum anti-epileptic drug.
- Its use should be reserved for patients with medically refractory epilepsy.
- Careful monitoring for adverse events remains crucial due to potential serious complications.