Felbamate-Induced Headache |
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| Authors: | Alan B. Ettinger,Lina Jandorf,Ajay Berdia,Mary R. Andriola,Lauren B. Krupp,Deborah M. Weisbrot&dagger |
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| Affiliation: | Department of Neurology, The Epilepsy Management Program, State University of New York at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, New York, U.S.A.;Department of Psychiatry, The Epilepsy Management Program, State University of New York at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, New York, U.S.A.;Department of Psychiatry Private Practice, The Epilepsy Management Program, State University of New York at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, New York, U.S.A. |
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| Abstract: | We prospectively investigated drug-induced headaches (HA) among 60 epileptic patients receiving felbamate (FBM). Twenty patients (33%) experienced HA. HA was pounding in 11 (55%), steady in 9 (45%), moderate or severe in 19 (95%), occurred at least once a week in all patients, and was relieved by nonnarcotic analgesics in 14 (70%). Mean duration on FBM before HA onset was 19 days. HA occurred with higher FBM doses and was relieved in 8 of 13 patients (62%) with FBM dose reduction. FBM was discontinued in most cases because of risks of anemia or hepatitis; not because of HA. Other side effects included insomnia (25%), gastrointestinal symptoms (27%), and agitation or restlessness (23%). HA is a common dose-related complication of FBM, occurs early after initiation of FBM treatment, and is relieved by dose reduction. |
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| Keywords: | Key Words: Felbamate Headache Anticonvulsants Drug toxicity |
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