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Side-effects on felbamate

Date: Sun, 4 Feb 1996 17:28:08 -0800
From: Ivan Goldberg <Psydoc@psycom.net>
Subject: Side-effects on felbamate

Felbamate [has] the potential for serious hematological side effects.

From: "Steven L. Dubovsky" <Steven.Dubovsky@UCHSC.edu>
Date: Tue, 6 Feb 1996 07:55:14 MST
Subject: Side-effects on new anticonvulsants

US physicians can look up lamotrigine (Lamictal) and felbamate (Felbatol) in the Physicians' Desk Reference. Of these two presentations, felbamate comes with a patient information/consent form that includes the following terrifying statements: "I understand that there is a serious risk that I could develop aplastic anemia and/or liver failure, both of which are potentially fatal, by using Felbatol. I understand that there are no laboratory tests which will predict if I am at increased risk for one of the potentially fatal conditions." The company includes a "Note to Physician: It is strongly recommended that you retain a signed copy of the informed consent with the patient's medical records."

It sure looks like felbamate can be a killer.

I see no similar level of warning or concern with lamotrigine.

I don't think I'll be prescribing any felbamate soon.

--snagymd@MEM.po.com

On the other hand, both lamotrigine and gabapentin were associated with unexplained deaths in premarketing trials. It is not clear if this was due to epilepsy, other drugs, or the new meds alone or in interaction.

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[dr. bob] Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD, dr-bob@uchicago.edu

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