Abstract
Background
The licensed treatment options for genetic generalized epilepsies are limited although
many patients with these conditions require chronic pharmacological management with
antiseizure medications and there are no curative surgical treatment options. Brivaracetam
is being studied as a new therapeutic option for genetic generalized epilepsies. Method:
In order to carry out a narrative review on the efficacy and safety of brivaracetam
in genetic generalized epilepsies, a literature research was performed in Pubmed,
EMBASE, Cochrane and Clinical Trials.gov databases. Results: Promising results were
found with doses ranging from 50 to 200 mg/day in terms of efficacy (with > 50% responder
rates between 36 and 84%), tolerability, and short and long-term safety (24–57% drug-associated
adverse effects), with most studies reporting adequate retention rates and an absence
of serious adverse effects, in monotherapy or as adjuvant therapy, even in refractory
epilepsies, special populations and in patients with previous use and/or therapeutic
failure with levetiracetam.
Conclusion
According to our review, brivaracetam is a valid treatment alternative in patients
with genetic generalized epilepsies capable of improving patients’ quality of life
by reducing seizure frequency with minimal adverse effects.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: October 21, 2022
Accepted:
October 7,
2022
Received in revised form:
October 4,
2022
Received:
June 6,
2022
Identification
Copyright
© 2022 British Epilepsy Association. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
