Existing epilepsy drug found effective against apnea

A common epilepsy drug has been shown to be highly effective against sleep apnea, according to early human trials. The anticonvulsant sultiame is most often prescribed to control symptoms of childhood epilepsy, but a double-blind, randomized tria

l involving 298 people has shown excellent results against obstructive sleep apnea.

The standard treatment for rest apnea is to rest with a CPAP machine, which keeps the aviation routes open. However, many people find it difficult to sleep with these machines, so scientists at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden decided to find alternative treatments.

The study recruited patients from 28 medical centers in Spain, France, Germany, Belgium, and the Czech Republic. The analysts isolated the members into four bunches: 74 individuals took 100 mg of sultiame each day, 74 individuals took 200 mg, another 75 volunteers took 300 mg, and 75 people took a placebo. All participants underwent polysomnography at various stages of treatment, which measured blood oxygen levels, heart rate, eye movements, and brain activity during sleep.

The researchers found that those taking sultiame had fewer pauses in breathing and their blood was more oxygenated. They also experienced less muscle weakness and fatigue throughout the day. While a childhood epilepsy drug may seem like an odd fit, sultiame actually works on the respiratory system and stimulates the muscles of the upper airways.

The team found that patients taking the highest dose of sultiame had a 39.9% lower rate of apnea. Although some participants experienced mild side effects such as headaches and nausea, the team concluded that sultiame may be an effective treatment for sleep apnea. However, more research is needed before it can be prescribed to patients.

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