The safety and tolerability of galantamine in patients with epilepsy and memory difficulties

Epilepsy Behav. 2008 Aug;13(2):376-80. doi: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2008.05.006. Epub 2008 Jun 16.

Abstract

Individuals with epilepsy commonly experience memory loss. We investigated the safety and tolerability of galantamine in treatment of memory loss in a pilot study of 28 patients with epilepsy, randomly assigned to galantamine (n=13) or placebo (n=15) and followed for a total of 12 weeks. Participants underwent blinded memory assessment at baseline and 12 weeks (Selective Reminding Test, 7/24 Spatial Recall). One participant in the galantamine group had a suspected recurrence of brain neoplasm and increased seizures; all other participants receiving galantamine showed no increase in seizure activity during the trial. Patients in both groups reported mild, tolerable side effects (headache, appetite suppression), with no difference between groups. No significant differences were observed on the memory measures when both groups were retested at Week 12. Galantamine appears to be safe and tolerable in patients with epilepsy. Further studies with larger samples and comparison with other cholinesterase inhibitors should be considered.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anticonvulsants / adverse effects
  • Anticonvulsants / therapeutic use
  • Cholinesterase Inhibitors / adverse effects
  • Cholinesterase Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Epilepsy / drug therapy*
  • Epilepsy / psychology
  • Female
  • Galantamine / adverse effects
  • Galantamine / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Memory Disorders / diagnosis
  • Memory Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Memory Disorders / psychology
  • Mental Recall / drug effects
  • Middle Aged
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Nootropic Agents / adverse effects
  • Nootropic Agents / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Anticonvulsants
  • Cholinesterase Inhibitors
  • Nootropic Agents
  • Galantamine