Efficacy of brivacetam as an anti-epileptic in patients with epilepsy, with special reference to previous exposure to levetiractam

Brivaracetam (BRV) is a new antiepileptic drug (AED) approved for adjunctive treatment of focal (partial-onset) seizures in adults. It is a selective, high-affinity ligand for synaptic vesicle 2A (SV2A) with much higher affinity than Levetiracetam (LEV). It has a high lipid solubility and rapid brain penetration, and has been shown to have potent broad-spectrum antiepileptic activity in animal models. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of BRV in everyday clinical practice. This observational study included 35 participants, suffering from different types of epilepsy. Patients were observed over a period of 1 year and data was collected using an interview design model. After the initial interview, a final interview took place after 1 year. Various parameters studied included demographic parameters, seizure frequency and duration, any side effects such as behavioral issues. This study included total 35 patients. The mean age of the participants was 33 years (range 3 – 90 years). Approximately 63% patients demonstrated a decrease in seizure frequency after switching to Brivacetam. Out of these patients, 76% patients were those patients, who were earlier treated with Levetiracetam, and it was discontinued either due to inadequate control of seizures or prominent side-effects. Brivaracetam also improved emotional balance in the treated patients (treatment naïve or Levetiracteam associated behavioral issues).Brivaracetam seems to be an effective and safe antiepileptic drug in the routine clinical setting.