Efficacy and safety of 800 and 1200 mg eslicarbazepine acetate as adjunctive treatment in adults with refractory partial-onset seizures

Objectives - To evaluate the efficacy and safety of eslicarbazepine acetate (ESL) as adjunctive therapy in adults with partial-onset seizures. Material and methods - Double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, multicenter study consisting of an 8-week baseline period, after which patients were randomized to placebo (n = 87) or once-daily ESL 800 mg (n = 85) or 1200 mg (n = 80). Patients received half dose during 2 weeks preceding a 12-week maintenance period. Results - Seizure frequency over the maintenance period was significantly (P < 0.05) lower than placebo in both ESL groups. Responder rate was 23% (placebo), 35% (800 mg), and 38% (1200 mg). Median relative reduction in seizure frequency was 17% (placebo), 38% (800 mg), and 42% (1200 mg). The most common adverse events (AEs) (> 10%) were dizziness, somnolence, headache, and nausea. The majority of AEs were of mild or moderate severity. Conclusions - Once-daily treatment with ESL 800 and 1200 mg was effective and generally well tolerated.