Carbamazepine for epilepsy: A controlled prospective evaluation

James J. Cereghino, Joseph T. Brock, John C. van Meter, J. Klffin Penry, Lawrence D. Smith, Billy G. White

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

174 Scopus citations

Abstract

The efficacy, bioavailability, and tolerance of carbamazepine in epilepsy were evaluated in a prospective, double-blind study. The study was made in 45 institutionalized patients whose seizures were not controlled completely by combinations of currently available antiepileptic drugs in adequate dosages as determined by serum concentrations. In this population, carbamazepine was equal in efficacy to phenobarbital or diphenylhydantoin in controlling seizure frequency, and side effects were minimal. Serum concentrations of carbamazepine were measured up to 13.7 mcg per milliliter, with 70 percent of the values ranging from 5 to 10 mcg per milliliter. Individual episodes of transient leukopenia occurred during the 21-day test period, but a statistically significant incidence of leukopenia was not observed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)401-410
Number of pages10
JournalNeurology
Volume24
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - May 1974
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Clinical Neurology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Carbamazepine for epilepsy: A controlled prospective evaluation'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this