Premium
CLONAZEPAM IN THE TREATMENT OF EPILEPTIC SEIZURES
Author(s) -
MuntheKaas Anders W.,
Strandjord Roald E.
Publication year - 1973
Publication title -
acta neurologica scandinavica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.967
H-Index - 95
eISSN - 1600-0404
pISSN - 0001-6314
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0404.1973.tb02291.x
Subject(s) - clonazepam , nitrazepam , carbamazepine , medicine , epilepsy , anesthesia , anticonvulsant , diazepam , discontinuation , pediatrics , surgery , psychiatry
Clonazepam (Ro 5‐4023) has been used in the treatment of epileptic seizures since December 1968. Fourty‐four hospitalized patients (20 girls, aged 6–15 years and 24 boys aged 3–25 years) with long‐lasting epilepsy of early onset were given the drug in addition to previous medication. At the date of assessment 30 patients were on clonazepam treatment. Seven of these patients had been treated for less than 1 year (a minimum of 3 months), in 18 patients the duration of treatment was from 1 to 3 years and in 5 patients more than 3 years (mean 22 months). In 11 patients with excellent clinical effect the duration of treatment was from 18 to 39 months (mean 28) and the dosage from 0.1 to 0.5 mg per kg body weight (mean 0.2). Lasting excellent or good seizure control was obtained in 20 of 44 patients in whom all other available anti‐epileptic drugs had failed. Clonazepam had effect in partial as well as in generalized seizures. Clonazepam was withdrawn in 14 patients; due to lack of clinical effect (3 patients), because absences were associated with loss of bladder control (2 patients), due to increased frequency of grand mal seizures (2 patients), to confusion, restlessness and anxiety (2 patients), and due to symptoms of intoxication in 5 patients, who received clonazepam (less than 0.065 mg per kg body weight) in addition to barbiturates (4 patients) and to carbamazepine and nitrazepam (1 patient). Individual dose adjustment were necessary. Some pharmacokinetic points of view are discussed. A method for routine determination of serum levels is desirable.