Tegretol (Carbamazepine): A Controlled Trial of a New Anti-Convulsant

Abstract

Tegretol (carbamazepine; 5-carbamyl-5H-dibenz (b, f) azepine) has been under investigation since 1958 in the treatment of epilepsy on the continent of Europe, following the demonstration of its anticonvulsant properties in animals by Theobald and Kunz (1963). Clinical reports have been enthusiastic (Lorgé, 1963, Bonduelle et al., 1963). The present investigation was undertaken with a view to a more critical appraisal of this drug, avoiding the dangers of sudden alteration of anticonvulsant therapy in epileptic patients, documented by Schwab et al. (1959), while still maintaining the double-blind nature of the trial.