Stahl's Essential Psychopharmacology Online
In Collaboration With
Felbamate
Therapeutics
Brands
• Felbatol, Taloxa
Generic?
Yes
Class
• Antiepileptic drug (AED)
Commonly Prescribed for
(FDA approved in bold)
• Complex partial seizures (adjunctive)
• Partial and generalized seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (children)
• Infantile spasms (West syndrome)
How the Drug Works
• The
exact mechanism of action in epilepsy is unknown, but putative
mechanisms include changes in binding at GABA and benzodiazepine
receptors and blockade of
NMDA-activated glutamate receptors
How Long Until It Works
• Seizures - 2 weeks
If It Works
• Seizures - goal is the decrease or remission of seizures. Continue as long as effective and well-tolerated
If It Doesn't Work
• Increase to highest tolerated dose. If not effective discontinue
Best Augmenting Combos for Partial Response or Treatment-Resistance
• Epilepsy: generally used in combination with other agents for severe epilepsy
Tests
• Obtain liver function testing and CBC before starting, and monitor frequently - especially in the first months after initiating
treatment
• Repeat liver function testing whenever new medications are added