COMPARATIVE STUDY OF EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF LEVETIRACETAM AND CARBAMAZEPINE AS MONOTHERAPY IN PARTIAL SEIZURES

Dr. Sharma D. S, Dr. Shirure A. P, Dr. Gawali U. P, Dr. Deshkar A. T

Abstract


Background: Carbamazepin is the preferred drug while levetiracetam is a newer drug for partial seizures. In this study, efficacy and safety of levetiracetam and carbamazepine as monotherapy in partial epilepsy is compared.

Methods: Patients were randomized in two groups. Group LEV (n=30) participants were prescribed Tab Levetiracetam, 1000–3000 mg/day/oral; and group CBZ (n=30) participants were prescribed Tab Carbamazepine, 400–1200mg/day/oral. Seizure freedom, adverse effects, quality of life was assessed at the end of 12 weeks.

Results: No statistical significant difference (p >0.05) in both groups in seizure free interval (96.67% vs. 80%) and number of adverse effect (30% vs. 33.33%). Improvement in quality of life was better in group LEV (64.50%) than group CBZ (57.13%) which is statistically significant.

Conclusion: Efficacy and safety of levetiracetam is comparable to carbamazepine in partial seizure while quality of life is better with levetiracetam.


Keywords


Quality of life, Seizure free interval, Epilepsy

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References


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