Effects of Taltrimide, an Experimental Taurine Derivative, on Photoconvulsive Response in Epileptic Patients

Abstract

Taltrimide is a lipophilic taurine derivative with definitive anticonvulsive effects in experimental epilepsy models. In this study, taltrimde was administered for 6 days, and the effects of the treatment on photoconvulsive response in EEG in eight epileptic patients were evaluated. Discharges provoked by intermittent photic stimulation (IPS) were increased by > 50% in four patients after taltrimide treatment. Only one patient had reduction of sensitivity. There was only a slight change in discharges after hyperventilation and no change in spontaneous paroxysms. The effects of taltrimide on photosensitivity appear to be rather specific. The study does not reveal anticonvulsive effects of taltrimide in humans.