Levetiracetam as add-on therapy in generalised epilepsies.

Abstract

Levetiracetam is highly effective as add-on treatment in refractory partial-onset seizures but there are only limited data supporting its benefit in generalised epilepsies. We have reviewed the clinical records of 25 consecutive adult patients with generalised epilepsies (84% females; mean age 34 (range 16-75) years) prescribed levetiracetam for at least six months. The epilepsy was considered idiopathic in 22 patients (88%)--including 13 with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy--and symptomatic in three. Most patients (68%) reported some improvement in seizure frequency on levetiracetam including 16% who became seizure free. Levetiracetam was generally well tolerated although 11/25 (44%) of patients reported some tiredness, weight change or rash. Levetiracetam was stopped in five patients, four because of side effects and one though lack of efficacy. In four cases, pre-existing antiepileptic medication was withdrawn, leaving levetiracetam as monotherapy. We conclude that levetiracetam is a useful add-on treatment for patients with refractory generalised epilepsies.

• Authors: S Pradeep Kumar, Philip E M Smith
• Journal: Seizure (Seizure) Vol. 13 Issue 7 Pg. 475-7 (Oct 2004) ISSN: 1059-1311 [Print] England
• PMID: 15324824 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Comparative Study, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Anticonvulsants
• Levetiracetam
• Piracetam

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Aged
• Anticonvulsants (therapeutic use)
• Drug Therapy, Combination
• Epilepsy, Generalized (drug therapy)
• Female
• Humans
• Levetiracetam
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Piracetam (analogs & derivatives, therapeutic use)
• Retrospective Studies
• Treatment Outcome