Abstracts

Clorazepate is an older established antiepileptic drug (AED) indicated as an add-on therapy for patients with partial seizures. In this retrospective anaysis, we evaluated the long-term efficacy of clorazepate as an adjunctive treatment in refractory seizures of all types.
Seizure types included generalized onset (n=13), focal (n=4), and mixed (n=4). Currently, 24% of the patients have been seizure free for more than 6 months, 67% demonstrate [gt]50% seizure reduction, and 10% are still poorly controlled. Sedation was reported in several patients and it occurred predominantly during initiation or when dosing increases occurred.
Key words: anticonvulsants, antiepileptic therapy, seizures, benzodiazepines, refractory epilepsy
Grant provided by Ovation Pharmaceuticals Twenty-one patients treated in a community setting were prescribed clorazepate for a period of at least 5 years with a minimum dose of 11.25mg/day. Patient demographics, efficacy, tolerability, seizure types, current medications and treatment failures were included in the retrospective chart review. Of the 21 patients evaluated, 13 were male and 8 were female with a mean age of 22.9 years (8.5 [ndash] 36.6 years). Patients were on clorazepate treatment for an average of 9.92 years (5.5 [ndash] 20.2 years). All patients were on a minimum of 11.25mg (11.25 - 28.125 mg) with an average maintenance dose of 17.5mg. 81% of the patients are currently on a minimum of two AEDs (mean 2.43). This patient population has failed an average of 3.57 AEDs. Clorazepate can be conveniently administered in a single daily dose or in multiple doses per day. In this retrospective clinical review, we concluded that clorazepate was safe and efficacious for long-term use in refractory epilepsy. (Supported by a Grant provided by Ovation Pharmaceuticals)