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Double-Blind Cross-Over Placebo Controlled Study of Flunarizine in Patients With Therapy Resistant Epilepsy

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 September 2015

E. Starreveld ,
F. de Beukelaar ,
A.F. Wilson ,
D.R. McLean  and
Helen P. Findlay
E. Starreveld*
Affiliation:
Adult Convulsive Disorder Clinic, Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital, Edmonton
F. de Beukelaar
Affiliation:
Janssen Research Foundation, Beerse, Belgium
A.F. Wilson
Affiliation:
Adult Convulsive Disorder Clinic, Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital, Edmonton
D.R. McLean
Affiliation:
Adult Convulsive Disorder Clinic, Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital, Edmonton
Helen P. Findlay
Affiliation:
Janssen Research Foundation, Beerse, Belgium
*
Adult Convulsive Disorder Clinic, Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital, 10230 - 111 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5G 0B7
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Abstract:

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Twenty-five patients with long-standing therapy resistant epilepsy were studied in an eight-month double- blind cross-over add-on trial with a daily dose of 15 mg flunarizine. In five patients the seizure frequency decreased 50% or more. The mean seizure frequency reduction in the patients on flunarizine was 35%. Particularly the control of secondary generalized seizures improved. Flunarizine did not significantly alter the plasma levels of the regular anticonvulsant drugs. Minimal adverse side effects were reported equally in the flunarizine and the placebo group. In three patients depressive symptoms improved and two patients became free of postictal headaches. Flunarizine appears to be a safe adjuvant anticonvulsant.

Type
Original Articles
Information
Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences , Volume 16 , Issue 2 , May 1989 , pp. 187 - 190
Copyright
Copyright © Canadian Neurological Sciences Federation 1989

References

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