Carbamazepine but not pregabalin impairs eye control: A study on acute objective CNS side effects in healthy volunteers

Rémi, Jan; Hüttenbrenner, Angelika; Feddersen, Berend; Noachtar, Soheyl

doi:10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2009.10.007

« Previous Next »Epilepsy Research
Volume 88, Issue 2 , Pages 145-150, February 2010

Carbamazepine but not pregabalin impairs eye control: A study on acute objective CNS side effects in healthy volunteers

Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, University of Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377 Munich, Germany

Received 10 August 2009; received in revised form 23 September 2009; accepted 18 October 2009.

Summary

Purpose

This prospective study compared the effects of the new antiepileptic drug (AED) pregabalin (PGB) with the established AED carbamazepine (CBZ) on eye movements and posture control.

Methods

Eye movements and posture control after AED intake were studied by electrooculography and posturography in 12 healthy volunteers who received single doses of 75mg PGB and 400mg slow release CBZ in a double-blind, cross-over, randomized trial.

Results

CBZ caused more slowing of the peak horizontal saccade (27%) than PGB (14%). For other parameters there was no statistically significant difference as compared to baseline and in the comparison of the two AEDs. CBZ and PGB, both impaired posture control but no statistically significant effect was found.

Discussion

CBZ causes more commonly dizziness after intake than PGB, when given in single doses, which is reflected in objective measurements; CBZ but not PGB impaired saccadic eye movements. Electrooculography and posturography serve as an objective measure of AED CNS side effects and could be used at an early stage of drug development.

Keywords: CNS side effects, Antiepileptic drug, Posturography, Electrooculography