Vigabatrin

Vigabatrin (VGB) is a recently-released antiepileptic drug which works by a clearly-defined mechanism of action: inhibition of GABA transaminase leading to an elevation of brain GABA concentration. It has been proven effective, mainly as an add-on agent, in complex partial and secondarily generalized seizures in both adults and children as well as in infantile spasms in both short and long-term controlled studies. World-wide experience now includes over 150,000 patients exposed to the drug. VGB has a favorable pharmacokinetic profile since it has little protein-binding, is mainly excreted unchanged by the kidney and has a long effective half-life allowing once or twice daily dosing. It is generally well-tolerated with very few cognitive effects but may cause significant behavioral side effects such as agitation, irritability, depression or psychosis in approximately 2-4% of cases. Mild weight gain and possible exacerbation of absence and myoclonic seizures are other reported adverse effects. The role of VGB in other childhood epileptic syndromes apart from West syndrome is still being defined.