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. 1978 Oct;41(10):907–912. doi: 10.1136/jnnp.41.10.907

Carbamazepine as a single drug in the treatment of epilepsy. A prospective study of serum levels and seizure control.

N Callaghan, M O'Callaghan, B Duggan, M Feely
PMCID: PMC493192  PMID: 731240

Abstract

Serum levels and seizure control were investigated in a prospective study when carbamazepine was given as a single drug to 32 patients with a variety of seizures. The patients included 13 previously untreated patients (group 1), and 19 who were unresponsive to other anticonvulsant drugs used in different combinations or as a single treatment (group 2). Thirteen patients (10 from group 1, and three from group 2) became seizure-free, and a greater than 50% reduction in seizure frequency occurred in 10 patients (nine from group 2, and one from group 1). Less than 50% reduction in seizure frequency occurred in five patients from group 2. As a wide range of serum levels was associated with complete freedom from seizures, or a greater than 50% reduction in seizure frequency, it was not possible to define a therapeutic range for carbamazepine. Side effects occurred at the start of treatment or after a dose increase. A wide range of serum levels was associated with side effects, and some patients could not tolerate levels greater than 42 mumol/l.

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Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

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