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Tavajohi R, Shahrami B, Rostami T, Kiumarsi A, Honarmand H, Hadjibabaie M. Optimal regimen of levetiracetam for prevention of busulfan-induced seizure in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: A review of available evidence. J Oncol Pharm Pract 2023:10781552231159056. [PMID: 36843563 DOI: 10.1177/10781552231159056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This review aimed to summarize the available data and offer a practical recommendation regarding the optimal regimen of levetiracetam (LEV) for the prevention of busulfan-induced seizure (BIS) in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). DATA SOURCES Published articles by searching databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, ScienceDirect) were reviewed. All types of original studies performed in pediatric and adult populations have been investigated and required data was extracted. DATA SUMMARY Eleven articles were eligible to be included in this review. A loading dose was not used in any of the studies. LEV had been started from 6 to 48 h before busulfan (Bu) initiation and continued up to 24 to 48 h after its termination. The dose range of LEV was 10 to 20 mg/kg/day divided every 12 h in pediatrics and 500 to 1000 mg twice daily in adults. Both oral and intravenous (IV) routes of administration were used. Except for three studies, no seizure had occurred in patients who had received LEV. CONCLUSIONS Considering the available evidence, LEV with the dose range from 500 to 1000 mg twice daily in adults and 10 mg/kg twice daily (20 mg/kg/day in 2 divided doses) in children orally or IV started from 6 to 24 h before Bu initiation up to 24 to 48 h after the last dose of Bu seems to prevent BIS appropriately. More prospective clinical trials with a larger population are needed to validate the optimal dosing of LEV for BIS prophylaxis in patients undergoing HSCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rayeheh Tavajohi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, 48439Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bita Shahrami
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, 48439Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center, Research Institute for Oncology, Hematology and Cell Therapy, 48439Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Tahereh Rostami
- Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center, Research Institute for Oncology, Hematology and Cell Therapy, 48439Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Azadeh Kiumarsi
- Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center, Research Institute for Oncology, Hematology and Cell Therapy, 48439Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hooshyar Honarmand
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, 48439Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Molouk Hadjibabaie
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, 48439Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Epilepsy in Pregnancy—Management Principles and Focus on Valproate. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031369. [PMID: 35163292 PMCID: PMC8836209 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
An estimated 60 million people worldwide suffer from epilepsy, half of whom are women. About one-third of women with epilepsy are of childbearing age. The childbirth rate in women with epilepsy is about 20–40% lower compared to that of the general population, which may be partly due to a lower number of these women being in relationships. Lower fertility in women with epilepsy may be linked to the disease itself, but it is mainly a result of the treatment provided. Valproate, as an antiepileptic drug inhibiting histone deacetylases, may affect the expression of genes associated with cell cycle control and cellular differentiation. Evidently, this drug is associated with the risk of malformations although other antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) may also trigger birth defects, however, to a lower degree. Valproate (and to a certain degree other AEDs) may induce autism spectrum disorders and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The main mechanism responsible for all negative effects of prenatal exposure to valproate seems inhibition of histone deacetylases. Animal studies show a reduction in the expression of genes involved in social behavior and an increase in hippocampal cytokines. Valproate-induced oxidative stress may also contribute to neural tube defects. Interestingly, paternal exposure to this AED in mice may trigger neurodevelopmental disorders as well although a population-based cohort study does not confirm this effect. To lower the risk of congenital malformations and neurodevelopmental disorders, a single AED at the optimal dose and supplementation with folic acid is recommended. VPA should be avoided in women of childbearing age and especially during pregnancy.
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Sahu S, Kumar S, Chaudhury S, Saldanha D. A case of pregabalin addiction. Ind Psychiatry J 2021; 30:S352-S353. [PMID: 34908735 PMCID: PMC8611539 DOI: 10.4103/0972-6748.328855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Samiksha Sahu
- Department of Psychiatry, Dr DY Patil Medical College, Dr DY Patil University, Pimpri, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Saurav Kumar
- Department of Psychiatry, Dr DY Patil Medical College, Dr DY Patil University, Pimpri, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Suprakash Chaudhury
- Department of Psychiatry, Dr DY Patil Medical College, Dr DY Patil University, Pimpri, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Daniel Saldanha
- Department of Psychiatry, Dr DY Patil Medical College, Dr DY Patil University, Pimpri, Pune, Maharashtra, India
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Althobaiti YS, Almutairi FM, Alshehri FS, Altowairqi E, Marghalani AM, Alghorabi AA, Alsanie WF, Gaber A, Alsaab HO, Almalki AH, Hakami AY, Alkhalifa T, Almalki AD, Hardy AMG, Shah ZA. Involvement of the dopaminergic system in the reward-related behavior of pregabalin. Sci Rep 2021; 11:10577. [PMID: 34011976 PMCID: PMC8134490 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-88429-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
There has been an increase in cases of drug addiction and prescription drug abuse worldwide. Recently, pregabalin abuse has been a focus for many healthcare agencies, as highlighted by epidemiological studies. We previously evaluated the possibility of pregabalin abuse using the conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm. We observed that a 60 mg/kg dose could induce CPP in mice and that pregabalin-rewarding properties were mediated through glutamate neurotransmission. Notably, the dopaminergic reward circuitry is also known to play a crucial role in medication-seeking behavior. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the possible involvement of dopaminergic receptor-1 in pregabalin-induced CPP. Mice were randomly allocated to receive saline or the dopamine-1 receptor antagonist SKF-83566 (0.03 mg/kg, intraperitoneal). After 30 min, the mice received either saline or pregabalin (60 mg/kg) during the conditioning phase. Among the control groups that received saline or SKF-83566, the time spent in the two conditioning chambers was not significantly altered. However, among the pregabalin-treated group, there was a marked increase in the time spent in the drug-paired chamber compared to the time spent in the vehicle-paired chamber. Notably, blocking dopamine-1 receptors with SKF-83566 completely prevented pregabalin-induced place preference, thus demonstrating the engagement of the dopaminergic system in pregabalin-induced reward-related behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuf S Althobaiti
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif, 21944, Saudi Arabia.
- Addiction and Neuroscience Research Unit, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif, 21944, Saudi Arabia.
- General Administration for Precursors and Laboratories, General Directorate of Narcotics Control, Ministry of Interior, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Farooq M Almutairi
- Addiction and Neuroscience Research Unit, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif, 21944, Saudi Arabia
- Deanship of Scientific Research, Taif University, Taif, 21944, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Clinical Laboratories Sciences, University of Hafar Al-Batin, College of Clinical Laboratories Sciences, Hafar Al-Batin, 39923, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fahad S Alshehri
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, 21955, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ebtehal Altowairqi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif, 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Aliyah M Marghalani
- Addiction and Neuroscience Research Unit, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif, 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amal A Alghorabi
- Addiction and Neuroscience Research Unit, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif, 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Walaa F Alsanie
- Addiction and Neuroscience Research Unit, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif, 21944, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, Taif, 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Gaber
- Addiction and Neuroscience Research Unit, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif, 21944, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Taif University, Taif, 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hashem O Alsaab
- Addiction and Neuroscience Research Unit, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif, 21944, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Taif University, Taif, 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Atiah H Almalki
- Addiction and Neuroscience Research Unit, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif, 21944, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif, 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Alqassem Y Hakami
- College of Medicine, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Turki Alkhalifa
- General Administration for Precursors and Laboratories, General Directorate of Narcotics Control, Ministry of Interior, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmad D Almalki
- General Administration for Precursors and Laboratories, General Directorate of Narcotics Control, Ministry of Interior, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ana M G Hardy
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Zahoor A Shah
- Department of Medicinal and Biological Chemistry, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
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Łukawski K, Czuczwar SJ. Developing precision treatments for epilepsy using patient and animal models. Expert Rev Neurother 2020; 21:1241-1250. [PMID: 33339471 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2021.1866989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Phenytoin was the first antiepileptic drug (AED) discovered in an animal model of seizures whose clinical efficacy was subsequently confirmed. This clearly indicated that a search for other AEDs had to consider animal studies.Areas covered: Main seizure tests used for the evaluation of possible anticonvulsive activity of potential anticonvulsants and their predictive values have been reviewed. Procedures used for the estimation of antiepileptogenic effects have been also included.Expert opinion: First-line seizure models comprise maximal electroshock (MES)-, pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)- and kindling-induced convulsions in rodents. The MES test may be considered as a convenient and easy model of generalized tonic-clonic seizures, PTZ test - as a model of generalized myoclonic seizures and to a certain degree - absence seizures. Kindled seizures (for example, from amygdala) may be regarded as a model of focal seizures. Some tests have been suggested for the search of AEDs effective in drug-resistant seizures - for instance, 6 Hz (44 mA) test or intrahippocampal kainate model of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy. There are also recommendations from experimental epileptology on synergistic AED combinations for patients with drug-resistant seizures. The clinical evidence on this issue is scarce and favors a combined treatment with valproate + lamotrigine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krzysztof Łukawski
- Department of Physiopathology, Institute of Rural Health, Lublin, Poland.,Department of Pathophysiology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
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Welson NN, Rofaeil RR, Ahmed SM, Gaber SS, Batiha GES, Shahataa MG. Vitamin E protects against gabapentin-induced chronic hepatic and renal damage associated with the inhibition of apoptosis and tissue injury in rats. Life Sci 2020; 267:118940. [PMID: 33359747 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.118940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
AIMS This study aimed to investigate the potential protective effects of vitamin E against gabapentin-induced chronic liver and kidney injury associated with the inhibition of biomarkers of apoptosis and tissue injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS Four groups of adult male rats were included; control, gabapentin (100 mg/kg/day), Vitamin E (80 mg/kg/day), and a combination of gabapentin and Vitamin E for 90 days. Serum levels of AST, ALT, LDH, ALP, urea, and creatinine were measured in addition to malondialdehyde (MDA), and reduced glutathione (GSH) tissue levels. P53 gene expression, histological, and immunohistochemical examinations were performed in liver and kidney tissue samples. KEY FINDINGS Gabapentin increased AST, ALT, LDH, ALP, urea, creatinine, MDA, and p53 gene expression and it reduced GSH. Moreover, gabapentin administration caused structural changes in the hepatic and renal architecture with a weak Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) reaction that reflects glycogen deposition in the liver and kidney and a positive immunoreaction for BCL2-associated X protein (BAX) that reflects activated apoptosis. Vitamin E significantly (p<0.05) reversed the biochemical alterations associated with chronic gabapentin administration and improved the histopathological picture of hepatic and renal tissue with a partial inhibition of BAX. SIGNIFICANCE Chronic administration of gabapentin causes hepatic and renal impairments, which is ameliorated by Vitamin E; possibly due to the inhibition of biomarkers of apoptosis and tissue injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nermeen N Welson
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt.
| | - Remon R Rofaeil
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, Egypt; Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Deraya University, New Minia City, Egypt
| | - Sabreen Mahmoud Ahmed
- Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, delegated to Deraya University, New Minia City, Egypt
| | - Shereen S Gaber
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, delegated to Deraya University, New Minia City, Egypt
| | - Gaber El-Saber Batiha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhour, Egypt
| | - Mary Girgis Shahataa
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
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Błaszczyk B, Walczak A, Ścirka N, Konarzewska A, Miziak B, Czuczwar SJ. Pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches to life threatening conditions in epilepsy. JOURNAL OF EPILEPTOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.21307/jepil-2020-002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
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Błaszczyk B, Miziak B, Czuczwar P, Wierzchowska-Cioch E, Pluta R, Czuczwar SJ. A viewpoint on rational and irrational fixed-drug combinations. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2018; 11:761-771. [PMID: 30024271 DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2018.1500895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Considering that there are around 30% of patients with epilepsy resistant to monotherapy, the use of synergistic combinations of antiepileptic drugs is of particular importance. This review shows most beneficial as well as irrational combined treatments both from an experimental and clinical point of view. Areas covered: Preferably, experimental data derived from studies evaluating synergy, additivity, or antagonism by relevant methods, in terms of anticonvulsant or neurotoxic effects and pharmacokinetic data have been considered. Although there have been no randomized clinical trials on this issue, the clinical data have been analyzed from studies on considerable numbers of patients. Case-report studies have been not considered. Expert commentary: The experimental data provide a strong support that co-administration of lamotrigine with carbamazepine is negative, considering the anticonvulsant and neurotoxic effects. Clinical reports do not entirely support this conclusion. Other experimentally documented negative combinations comprise lamotrigine+ oxcarbazepine and oxcarbazepine+ phenytoin. From the experimental and clinical point of view, a combination of lamotrigine+ valproate may deserve recommendation. Other most positive experimental and clinical combinations include carbamazepine+valproate, phenytoin+phenobarbital, carbamazepine+gabapentin, carbamazepine+topiramate, levetiracetam+valproate, levetiracetam+carbamazepine. Certainly, experimental data have some limitations (non-epileptic animals, acute administration of antiepileptic drugs) so all experimental recommendations need a careful clinical evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Błaszczyk
- a Faculty of Health Sciences , High School of Economics, Law and Medical Sciences , Kielce , Poland
| | - Barbara Miziak
- b Department of Pathophysiology , Medical University of Lublin , Lublin , Poland
| | - Piotr Czuczwar
- b Department of Pathophysiology , Medical University of Lublin , Lublin , Poland.,c 3rd Department of Gynecology , Medical University of Lublin , Lublin , Poland
| | - Ewa Wierzchowska-Cioch
- b Department of Pathophysiology , Medical University of Lublin , Lublin , Poland.,d Department of Neurology , Pope John Paul II Independent Public Provincial Hospital , Zamosc , Poland
| | - Ryszard Pluta
- e Laboratory of Ischemic and Neurodegenerative Brain Research , Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences , Warszawa , Poland
| | - Stanisław J Czuczwar
- b Department of Pathophysiology , Medical University of Lublin , Lublin , Poland.,f Department of Physiopathology , Institute of Rural Health , Lublin , Poland
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Handley SA, Ramsey JD, Flanagan RJ. Substance misuse-related poisoning deaths, England and Wales, 1993–2016. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.1177/2050324518767445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Context In recent years there has been an increase in the availability of ‘novel psychoactive substances (NPS)’ or ‘legal highs’. In turn, there is concern as to the risks these compounds pose as compared to those posed by traditionally misused substances such as illicit diamorphine (heroin), methadone, cocaine, and amfetamines. Methods We reviewed deaths where opiates/opioids, stimulants, hypnosedatives, hallucinogens, or volatile substances were mentioned on the death certificate in England and Wales, 1993–2016 as recorded on the Office for National Statistics drug poisoning deaths database. Deaths were analysed by year of registration of death, age, sex, intent, drug(s) involved, and the presence of alcohol (ethanol). Results There were 68,347 drug-related deaths in England and Wales (includes both licit and illicit substances), of which 15,457 were either coded as, or had mention of, drug dependent/non-dependent substance abuse on the death certificate. Opioids, particularly diamorphine/morphine and methadone, featured in most deaths. Diamorphine/morphine-related deaths (17,402) increased from 155 in 1993 to 981 in 2001, and then remained relatively stable until 2010 (791). Thereafter, annual numbers of deaths fell to 579 in 2012, but have since increased to 1,209 (2016). Deaths in the age group 20–29 years declined from 46% (1993), to 13% (2016), whereas in those aged 40–49 years the percentage of deaths increased from 13% (1993) to 33% (2016). Methadone was mentioned in 7,894 deaths (1993–2016). Annual numbers of such deaths increased from 206 to 437, 1993–7, then declined, but have since increased, reaching 413 in 2016. As to age, a similar pattern as to diamorphine/morphine-related deaths is apparent. Annual numbers of deaths involving cocaine (1993–2016: 3,342), reached 235 in 2008, declined, but have since increased (2011: 112, 2016: 371). Annual numbers of deaths involving methylenedioxyamfetamine/ methylenedioxyethamfetamine/ methylenedioxymetamfetamine (‘ecstasy’) (1993–2016: 853), have also increased steadily in recent years (2010; 8, 2016: 65). There were relatively few mentions of ‘novel stimulants’ (1993–2016: 386) on death certificates and such deaths have declined in recent years (2015: 88, 2016: 57). Mephedrone was most frequently mentioned (122), as was para-methoxyamfetamine/ para-methoxymetamfetamine (88). Conversely, although synthetic cannabinoids were mentioned infrequently (1993–2016: 37), such deaths have increased recently (2015: 8, 2016: 26). Conclusions Illicit diamorphine (heroin) and methadone continue to be the principal drugs of abuse involved in fatal poisonings in England and Wales. The increase in such deaths in recent years has been largely due to an increase in deaths amongst older users, although the role of potent synthetic opioids such as carfentanil is a cause for concern. Overall, stimulants and related compounds have been implicated in an increasing number of deaths annually. The impact of the plethora of NPS that have appeared in recent years on fatal poisonings may have been mitigated by legislation.
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Affiliation(s)
- SA Handley
- King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, UK
| | - JD Ramsey
- St. George's University of London, UK
| | - RJ Flanagan
- King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, UK
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Human abuse potential of brivaracetam in healthy recreational central nervous system depressant users. Epilepsy Behav 2018; 78:194-201. [PMID: 29153631 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2017.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2017] [Revised: 09/13/2017] [Accepted: 09/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Brivaracetam is a new antiepileptic drug indicated for adjunctive treatment of focal seizures in adults at a dose of 50-200mg/day taken in two equal doses. The objective of this study was to evaluate the abuse potential of brivaracetam compared with alprazolam (positive control), placebo, and levetiracetam. METHODS This was a randomized, double-blind, triple-dummy, crossover study in healthy male and female recreational central nervous system (CNS) depressant users aged 18-55years, who could distinguish between the subjective effects of alprazolam 2mg and placebo. All participants received single doses of brivaracetam (50 [therapeutic dose], 200, 1000mg [supratherapeutic doses]), alprazolam (1.5, 3mg), placebo, and levetiracetam (4000mg) in random order each separated by 7-10days. Subjective Visual Analogue Scales (VAS) and Addiction Research Center Inventory (ARCI) scales were completed at intervals up to 24h postdose. Primary endpoints were Drug Liking (at this moment) VAS, Overall Drug Liking VAS, Feeling High VAS, and ARCI Pentobarbital Chlorpromazine Alcohol Group (PCAG, sedation) maximum effect (Emax). Maximum effect values on each scale were analyzed using a mixed-effect model (per protocol population, N=44). RESULTS The maximum effect for both alprazolam doses was significantly greater versus placebo for six designated endpoints, confirming study validity. Drug Liking (at this moment) VAS Emax was significantly lower for brivaracetam 50mg than alprazolam (both doses); there were no significant differences between brivaracetam 200mg and alprazolam (both doses), and brivaracetam 1000mg and alprazolam 1.5mg. Brivaracetam 1000mg (supratherapeutic single dose) had significantly higher Drug Liking (at this moment) VAS Emax than alprazolam 3mg. Overall, Drug Liking VAS Emax for brivaracetam 50 and 200mg was not significantly different from alprazolam (both doses). Brivaracetam 1000mg had significantly higher Overall Drug Liking VAS Emax than alprazolam 1.5mg, but was not significantly different from alprazolam 3mg. Feeling High VAS Emax was lower versus alprazolam with brivaracetam 50 and 200mg, while brivaracetam 1000mg was comparable with alprazolam (both doses). Addiction Research Center Inventory PCAG Emax for brivaracetam (all doses) was significantly lower than alprazolam (both doses). On the secondary/supportive endpoints, compared with alprazolam, brivaracetam had fewer positive effects (ARCI Morphine Benzedrine Group [euphoria]; Good Drug Effects VAS [50mg]) and fewer negative effects (Bad Drug Effects VAS; ARCI Lysergic Acid Diethylamide [dysphoria]). Brivaracetam was not significantly different from alprazolam for Take Drug Again VAS (50, 200mg). For most endpoints, brivaracetam (50-200mg) was not significantly different from levetiracetam (4000mg). CONCLUSION This study in healthy recreational CNS depressant users showed that single doses of brivaracetam 50mg (therapeutic single dose) had lower sedative, positive, and negative drug effects than alprazolam, while brivaracetam 200 and 1000mg (supratherapeutic single doses) were more similar to alprazolam. The subjective profile of brivaracetam appeared to be similar to that of levetiracetam, but further evaluation using a range of levetiracetam doses would be needed to confirm similar abuse potential.
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Chiappini S, Schifano F. A Decade of Gabapentinoid Misuse: An Analysis of the European Medicines Agency's 'Suspected Adverse Drug Reactions' Database. CNS Drugs 2016; 30:647-54. [PMID: 27312320 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-016-0359-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The gabapentinoids pregabalin and gabapentin are being increasingly prescribed for a range of clinical conditions. Recently, although gabapentinoids at therapeutic dosages may present with low addictive liability levels, cases of misuse and rising numbers of related fatalities have been reported. OBJECTIVES The aim of the study was to identify and assess cases of gabapentinoid misuse or dependence as reported to the European Medicines Agency's EudraVigilance database, to identify the magnitude of this problem and the characteristics of these reactions. METHODS All spontaneous reports of both gabapentin- (2004-2015) and pregabalin- (2006-2015) related misuse/abuse/dependence were retrieved. A descriptive analysis by source, sex, age, and type of report was performed. RESULTS From the EudraVigilance database 7639 (6.6 % of a total of 115,616) and 4301 (4.8 % of 90,166) adverse drug reaction reports of misuse/abuse/dependence were, respectively, associated with pregabalin and gabapentin, with an overall reporting frequency increasing over time. For both molecules, subjects typically involved were female adults. A total of 27 and 86 fatalities, respectively, associated with pregabalin and gabapentin, and mostly in combination with opioids, were identified. Analysis of proportional reporting ratios for drug abuse/dependence/intentional product misuse values seem to indicate that these adverse drug reactions were more frequently reported for pregabalin (1.25, 1.39, and 1.58, respectively) compared with gabapentin. CONCLUSIONS Despite data collection/methodological approach limitations, the present data seem to suggest that gabapentinoid misuse may be a cause for concern, especially in patients with a history of substance misuse. Hence, healthcare professionals should be vigilant when prescribing these molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Chiappini
- Department of Psychiatry, Catholic University School of Medicine, Largo Agostino Gemelli 8, Rome, 00168, Italy.
| | - Fabrizio Schifano
- School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, UK
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Aktaş S, Tetikoğlu M, İnan S, Aktaş H, Özcura F. Unilateral hemorrhagic macular infarction associated with marijuana, alcohol and antiepileptic drug intake. Cutan Ocul Toxicol 2016; 36:88-95. [DOI: 10.3109/15569527.2016.1141420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Abstract
Gabapentinoids (e.g. pregabalin and gabapentin) are widely used in neurology, psychiatry and primary healthcare but are increasingly being reported as possessing a potential for misuse. In fact, increasing levels of both prescriptions and related fatalities, together with an anecdotally growing black market, have been reported from a range of countries. This article reviews the current evidence base of this potential, in an attempt to answer the question of whether there is cause for concern about these drugs. Potent binding of pregabalin/gabapentin at the calcium channel results in a reduction in the release of excitatory molecules. Furthermore, gabapentinoids are thought to possess GABA-mimetic properties whilst possibly presenting with direct/indirect effects on the dopaminergic 'reward' system. Overall, pregabalin is characterized by higher potency, quicker absorption rates and greater bioavailability levels than gabapentin. Although at therapeutic dosages gabapentinoids may present with low addictive liability levels, misusers' perceptions for these molecules to constitute a valid substitute for most common illicit drugs may be a reason of concern. Gabapentinoid experimenters are profiled here as individuals with a history of recreational polydrug misuse, who self-administer with dosages clearly in excess (e.g. up to 3-20 times) of those that are clinically advisable. Physicians considering prescribing gabapentinoids for neurological/psychiatric disorders should carefully evaluate a possible previous history of drug abuse, whilst being able to promptly identify signs of pregabalin/gabapentin misuse and provide possible assistance in tapering off the medication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Schifano
- Chair in Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Hertfordshire, School of Life and Medical Sciences, College Lane Campus, Hatfield, AL10 9AB, UK,
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