Epilepsy Drug Reduces Sleep Apnea Symptoms by 50%

A commonly used epilepsy medication for children may hold the key to improving the lives of millions suffering from sleep apnea, as a clinical trial has shown remarkable results in reducing symptoms and enhancing daytime alertness.

Sulthiame’s Unexpected Benefits

Sulthiame, marketed as Ospolot, is typically prescribed to manage childhood epilepsy. However, in a randomized, double-blind trial involving 298 patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), it showed significant benefits for those unable to tolerate CPAP machines or oral devices.

Jan Hedner explained that while the standard OSA treatment uses a machine to keep airways open, many people struggle with its long-term use. This highlights the need for alternative treatments and a better understanding of OSA mechanisms for personalized care.

Trial Design and Methods

The trial, conducted at 28 medical centers across Spain, France, Belgium, Germany, and the Czech Republic, divided participants into four groups: three receiving varying doses of sulthiame (100 mg, 200 mg, or 300 mg) and one receiving a placebo. Each participant underwent polysomnography at the beginning of the study, then again at four and 12 weeks. This test measured key sleep-related parameters, including breathing patterns, oxygen saturation, heart rate, and brain activity.

Results showed that sulthiame users experienced fewer breathing disruptions and higher oxygen levels. They also reported improved daytime alertness.

Though unusual, using sulthiame for sleep apnea is effective as it stimulates the muscles of the upper airway.

Using the AHI3a apnea-hypopnea index to track breathing interruptions, researchers found that those on the highest dose of sulthiame had nearly 40% fewer respiratory pauses. The medium-dose group had a 34.8% reduction, while the low-dose group saw a 17.8% drop.

The AHI4 index showed that sulthiame cut respiratory disruptions by about 50%, while also significantly improving oxygen saturation.

Participants reported side effects such as tingling sensations, headaches, fatigue, and nausea, though these were mild to moderate in intensity.

Potential for New Treatment Options

Sulthiame reduced symptoms of OSA, such as nighttime breathing interruptions and daytime sleepiness, said Hedner. “This suggests it could be an effective treatment option for those who can’t use existing mechanical therapies.”

Hedner noted that more research is needed despite the promising trial results presented at the European Respiratory Society Congress.

He added that a phase III study is needed to confirm sulthiame’s respiratory benefits in more OSA patients.

OSA is not just a snoring issue but can lead to severe health problems if left untreated. Current treatments are often invasive and not suitable for everyone.

Professional Advice on Snoring

Professor Sophia Schiza, head of the ERS assembly on sleep disordered breathing, advised seeing a doctor if snoring is accompanied by frequent waking, daytime fatigue, or sleepiness. OSA raises the risk of hypertension, heart disease, and metabolic conditions. This study, though not involving her, offers hope for new treatments like sulthiame when current options fail.

She concluded, It’s encouraging to see drug treatments emerging, but we need further research to understand their long-term effects and potential side benefits, like lowering blood pressure or preventing cardiovascular disease in OSA patients.

Read the original Article on: New Atlas

Read more: Brain Injection of Cultured Neurons: A Potential Cure for Epilepsy