EPILEPSY: Seizure-Reducing Drug

Is it possible to better control partial-onset seizures?

BY:MYRA DEMBROW

A new drug shows promise in controlling partial-onset seizures for patients who don't respond to current medications. Retigabine, being developed by Wyeth, takes a unique approach by opening potassium channels, according to Wyeth-sponsored research reported in the journal Neurology.

Of 399 participants who were taking one or two epilepsy drugs but still having an average of eight to 10 seizures a month, 279 completed the study which divided participants into four groups. Three of the groups received retigabine in doses of 600, 900 or 1200 milligrams; another group was given a placebo.

After four months, those who took the 1200 mg of retigabine experienced, on average, 35 percent fewer seizures per month; those taking the placebo showed a 13-percent decline. In addition, seizures were at least half as frequent for a third of the patients who took the highest dose. Side effects included drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, tremor, amnesia, and speech disorders.