Efficacy of Levetiracetam (LEV) in Partial and Generalized Seizures; Slower Titration Improves Tolerability.
Abstract number :
2.265
Submission category :
Year :
2001
Submission ID :
1951
Source :
www.aesnet.org
Presentation date :
12/1/2001 12:00:00 AM
Published date :
Dec 1, 2001, 06:00 AM
Authors :
V. Salanova, MD, Neurology, Indiana U., Indianapolis, IN; M. Manley, RN, Neurology, Indiana U., Indianapolis, IN
RATIONALE: Levetiracetam is indicated as adjunctive therapy for partial seizures; animal studies suggest that LEV has a broad spectrum. In controlled trials LEV was began at 500mg BID.15%of patients receiving LEV and 11.6% of patients receiving placebo reduced the dose or discontinued therapy.Our objective was to analyze the efficacy of LEV in an unselected group of patients with refractory epilepsy, and to determine whether slower titration improves tolerability.
METHODS: 73 patients with different seizure types including partial and generalized seizures treated with LEV (age,10yrs to 53 yrs).In most patients LEV was added, starting with 250mg twice a day, and increased by 250mg or 500 mg every two weeks.The seizure frequency, response to LEV, concomitant anticonvulsants, and tolerability were determined during follow-up.
RESULTS: The average dose of Levetiracetam was 1000 mg BID , and the maximun dose was 2000 mg twice a day. The responder rate to Levetiracetam was 43% (greater than 50% seizure reduction).LEV was well tolerated ,only 7/73(9.5%)of the patients discontinued treatment or reduced the dose due to lack of efficacy or poor tolerability.The main side effects were somnolence and mood swings.
CONCLUSIONS: Levetiracetam demonstrated a broad spectrum of action with significant seizure reduction in an unselected group of patients with refractory partial as well as generalized seizures. LEV was well tolerated. Slower titration improves tolerability.
Disclosure: Consulting - Dr Salanova attended a regional advisory meeting and received honoraria from UCB Pharma.