Methsuximide therapy of juvenile myoclonic epilepsy

Currently valproic acid is considered to be the drug of first choice for juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME) resulting in a 70-90% control rate for all seizure types associated with JME. In those situations where valproic acid fails to control seizure activity, results in unacceptable side-effects, or is declined due to potential side-effects, an alternative effective monotherapy would be desirable. Five adolescent female patients were placed on methsuximide for JME. All five patients have been seizure free with the use of methsuximide and four out of five are now on methsuximide monotherapy with good success. C.L. has now had complete seizure control on methsuximide monotherapy, a total of 1200 mg a day, for 7 years with the exception of one seizure event occurring on an attempted discontinuation of methsuximide after being 5 years seizure free. Methsuximide monotherapy as demonstrated in these five patients is an effective treatment for JME.