Gabapentin in refractory partial epilepsy--a trial in India.

Abstract

Gabapentin (GBP) has been shown to be effective an add-on drug for the treatment of refractory partial epilepsy. We undertook an open clinical trial to test its efficacy for the first time in India. Twenty-six patients with refractory partial seizures (> 4 per month) were given GBP in a titrated dose and the seizure frequency was noted for 3 months. The mean reduction in seizures was significant: 15.87 (SD = 4.5) vs 5.80 (SD = 10.25). The mean percentage change (PCH) from the baseline was -36. Twenty-one of 26 (80%) patients had a reduction in the number of seizures, and 13/26 (50%) were identified as responders (> 50% reduction in seizures). The responders were significantly younger than the nonresponders. Adverse events were mild and noted in 46% patients. Although the trial has its limitations, this is probably the first trial of GBP in a developing country.

• Authors: S N Dixit, S Jain, M V Padma, M C Maheshwari
• Journal: Acta neurologica Scandinavica (Acta Neurol Scand) 1996 Feb-Mar Vol. 93 Issue 2-3 Pg. 85-7 ISSN: 0001-6314 [Print] Denmark
• PMID: 8741123 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Acetates
• Amines
• Anticonvulsants
• Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids
• gamma-Aminobutyric Acid
• Gabapentin

Topics

• Acetates (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Adolescent
• Adult
• Amines
• Anticonvulsants (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids
• Developing Countries
• Drug Therapy, Combination
• Electroencephalography (drug effects)
• Epilepsies, Partial (drug therapy)
• Female
• Gabapentin
• Humans
• India
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Treatment Outcome
• gamma-Aminobutyric Acid