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What is Felbatol
FelbamateThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryFelbamate 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.
Felbatolis the brand name
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 3 uses including Seizures and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome .Seizures
Helps manage Refractory Partial Seizures
Lennox-Gastaut syndrome
Used in combination with other therapies
Status Epilepticus (Convulsive)
Helps manage Status Epilepticus (Convulsive)
Effectiveness
How Felbatol Affects PatientsFelbamate 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 bodyWe 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
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral
Seizures
400.0 mg, , 600.0 mg, 600.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral
Status Epilepticus (Convulsive)
400.0 mg, , 600.0 mg, 600.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Suspension, 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 RiskThe 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 (Convulsive)
0 Actively Recruiting
Seizures
0 Actively Recruiting
Lennox-Gastaut syndrome
0 Actively Recruiting
Felbatol Reviews: What are patients saying about Felbatol?
5Patient Review
7/15/2008 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.
5Patient Review
11/2/2009 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.
5Patient Review
2/5/2009 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.
5Patient Review
5/18/2010 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!
5Patient Review
6/21/2011 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.
5Patient Review
10/30/2011 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.
5Patient Review
2/26/2019 This is the only medication that has been able to stop my seizures. I'm incredibly thankful for it.
5Patient Review
5/20/2009 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.
4.7Patient Review
2/15/2019 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.
3.3Patient Review
1/6/2009 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.
3Patient Review
12/12/2007 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.
2.3Patient Review
11/28/2009 I lost my appetite, couldn't sleep, and found myself feeling angry a lot more often.
1Patient Review
5/7/2011 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.
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