Felbatol

Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, Seizures, Status Epilepticus

Treatment

6 FDA approvals

0 Active Studies for Felbatol

What is Felbatol

Felbamate

The Generic name of this drug

Treatment Summary

Felbamate is a medicine used to treat epilepsy. It can be used to treat partial seizures in adults and partial and generalized seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome in children. Felbamate works by inhibiting the binding of GABA (a chemical in the brain) to its receptors.

Felbatol

is the brand name

image of different drug pills on a surface

Felbatol Overview & Background

Brand Name

Generic Name

First FDA Approval

How many FDA approvals?

Felbatol

Felbamate

1993

41

Approved as Treatment by the FDA

Felbamate, also called Felbatol, is approved by the FDA for 6 uses including Refractory Partial Seizures and Status Epilepticus (Convulsive) .

Refractory Partial Seizures

Helps manage Refractory Partial Seizures

Status Epilepticus (Convulsive)

Helps manage Status Epilepticus (Convulsive)

refractory Lennox-Gastaut syndrome

Used in combination with other therapies

Seizures

Helps manage Refractory Partial Seizures

Lennox-Gastaut syndrome

Used in combination with other therapies

Status Epilepticus

Helps manage Status Epilepticus (Convulsive)

Effectiveness

How Felbatol Affects Patients

Felbamate is used to treat epilepsy and partial seizures. Scientific studies show that it weakly affects the GABA and benzodiazepine receptors and does not affect a certain type of receptor (MK-801). However, it does interact with a different receptor (strychnine-insensitive glycine recognition site) at the NMDA receptor-ionophore complex.

How Felbatol works in the body

We don't know exactly how felbamate works to reduce seizures, but its effects are similar to other anticonvulsants. In laboratory tests, it was found to block the activity of a receptor in the brain that is activated by excitatory amino acids. This blocking action helps to suppress seizure activity. Felbamate also appears to increase the threshold for seizures and decrease how far they spread. Additionally, it has weak inhibiting effects on GABA and benzodiazepine receptors.

When to interrupt dosage

The dosage of Felbatol is contingent upon the diagnosed condition, including Status Epilepticus (Convulsive), Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Seizures. The amount of dosage shifts as per the technique of delivery (e.g. Tablet - Oral or Suspension - Oral) indicated in the table beneath.

Condition

Dosage

Administration

Lennox-Gastaut syndrome

400.0 mg, , 600.0 mg, 600.0 mg/mL

Tablet, Tablet - Oral, , Suspension, Oral, Suspension - Oral

Seizures

400.0 mg, , 600.0 mg, 600.0 mg/mL

Tablet, Tablet - Oral, , Suspension, Oral, Suspension - Oral

Status Epilepticus

400.0 mg, , 600.0 mg, 600.0 mg/mL

Tablet, Tablet - Oral, , Suspension, Oral, Suspension - Oral

Warnings

There are 20 known major drug interactions with Felbatol.

Common Felbatol Drug Interactions

Drug Name

Risk Level

Description

Abemaciclib

Major

The metabolism of Abemaciclib can be increased when combined with Felbamate.

Acalabrutinib

Major

The metabolism of Acalabrutinib can be increased when combined with Felbamate.

Alectinib

Major

The metabolism of Alectinib can be increased when combined with Felbamate.

Alpelisib

Major

The metabolism of Alpelisib can be increased when combined with Felbamate.

Aminophylline

Major

The metabolism of Aminophylline can be increased when combined with Felbamate.

Felbatol Toxicity & Overdose Risk

The toxic dose for rats that was found to be fatal was 5000mg/kg when taken orally.

Felbatol Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Felbatol?

Presently, one active study is assessing the potential of Felbatol to alleviate Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome, Seizures and Convulsive Status Epilepticus.

Condition

Clinical Trials

Trial Phases

Status Epilepticus

0 Actively Recruiting

Seizures

0 Actively Recruiting

Lennox-Gastaut syndrome

0 Actively Recruiting

Felbatol Reviews: What are patients saying about Felbatol?

5

Patient Review

7/15/2008

Felbatol for Simple Partial Seizures

I'm allergic to most seizure medications, but felbatol has really been a wonder drug for me. I don't like having to get a blood test every month, but this is the best medication that has worked for me so far.

5

Patient Review

11/2/2009

Felbatol for Epileptic Seizure

I've been on this medication for two decades with no issues whatsoever. In fact, it's helped me a lot. I wish more doctors knew about it and were comfortable prescribing it because it really works well for some people.

5

Patient Review

2/5/2009

Felbatol for Epileptic Seizure

Felbatol is the only drug that has worked for me in the last two years. The monthly blood tests required to check for aplastic anemia are really the only inconvenience.

5

Patient Review

5/18/2010

Felbatol for Epileptic Seizure

I was placed in a PhaseIII Investigational Study of Felbamate when there were no other options left. I've been seizure-free for 20 years now, and my current doctor wants me to try a newer drug called Keppra. I'm very reluctant to switch medications, because Felbatol has changed my life for the better and I know it works!

5

Patient Review

6/21/2011

Felbatol for Epileptic Seizure

Felbatol has been by far the most effective medication I've tried for my petite grand mal seizures. Not only does it help control them, but I don't feel drowsy or out of sorts when I'm on it. Plus, an added bonus is that I've lost weight since starting this medication 16+ years ago.

5

Patient Review

10/30/2011

Felbatol for Epileptic Seizure

My daughter's life has been saved by this medication. She used to have seizures constantly, but now they are manageable and she can live a normal life.

5

Patient Review

2/26/2019

Felbatol for Epileptic Seizure

This is the only medication that has been able to stop my seizures. I'm incredibly thankful for it.

5

Patient Review

5/20/2009

Felbatol for Epileptic Seizure

This medication has been effective in controlling my seizures. Prior to taking felbamate, I was still having seizures despite taking Keppra. However, adding felbamate to my Keppra regimen has completely eliminated my seizures.

4.7

Patient Review

2/15/2019

Felbatol for Epileptic Seizure

This drug has been a godsend. I've been on it for 15 years and it's completely changed my life. I'm able to work and have relationships that are meaningful to me.

3.3

Patient Review

1/6/2009

Felbatol for Epileptic Seizure

The drug has certainly helped with my seizures, however the side effects are becoming more and more bothersome. I've been taking it for three weeks now, and they include a total loss of appetite, headaches, cramps, and very bad diarrhea.

3

Patient Review

12/12/2007

Felbatol for Simple Partial Seizures

This medication is effective but unfortunately causes severe insomnia. I often have to take high doses of ativan to get any sleep. It's not fun, but the upside is that it really does work.

2.3

Patient Review

11/28/2009

Felbatol for Epileptic Seizure

I lost my appetite, couldn't sleep, and found myself feeling angry a lot more often.

1

Patient Review

5/7/2011

Felbatol for Epileptic Seizure

neurological problems arose almost immediately after taking this drug, so my neurologist took me off of it very quickly. I would never recommend this to anyone.
image of drug pills surrounding a glass of water symbolizing drug consumption

Patient Q&A Section about felbatol

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

Is felbamate a controlled substance?

"Felbamate (Felbatol) is not a controlled substance, which means it does not have strict regulations from the government."

Answered by AI

What is Felbatol used for?

"Felbatol can be prescribed to children who experience partial seizures, either on its own or in conjunction with other seizure medication. It can also be given to children with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome who experience seizures, in combination with other seizure medication."

Answered by AI

What are the side effects of felbamate?

"The following are potential side effects that may occur: drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, trouble sleeping, loss of coordination, headache, blurred/double vision, hiccups, or loss of appetite. If you experience any of these side effects, tell your doctor or pharmacist."

Answered by AI

What are the side effects of Felbatol?

"sweating, and weight gain

You may experience drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, trouble sleeping (insomnia), headache, sweating, and weight gain."

Answered by AI