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Use of Fluoxetine to Augment the Inter-Ictal Hypercapnic Ventilatory Response in Patients with Epilepsy: A Pilot Study
Journal article

Use of Fluoxetine to Augment the Inter-Ictal Hypercapnic Ventilatory Response in Patients with Epilepsy: A Pilot Study

Rup K Sainju, Deidre N Dragon, Harold B Winnike, Patrick Ten Eyck, Mark A Granner, Brian K Gehlbach and George B Richerson
Neurology India, Vol.70(5), pp.2125-2129
09/01/2022
DOI: 10.4103/0028-3886.359160
PMCID: PMC10234457
PMID: 36352620

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Abstract

BackgroundSevere peri-ictal respiratory dysfunction is a potential biomarker for high SUDEP risk and correlates with an attenuated hypercapnic ventilatory response (HCVR). Prior studies suggest a potential role for selective serotonergic reuptake inhibitors in modifying the HCVR, but this approach has not been studied in the epilepsy population. ObjectivesTo assess the feasibility of using fluoxetine to augment HCVR in epilepsy patients. Methods and MaterialAn inter-ictal HCVR was measured using a CO2 rebreathing technique in patients with epilepsy aged 18-75 years. Eligible participants were randomized to fluoxetine or placebo, and the HCVR was repeated at the end of week 4. Primary outcomes were recruitment and retention rate. ResultsOf the 30 subjects enrolled, 22 were randomized (mean: 3.8 subjects/3 months), with a retention rate of 100% in fluoxetine and 95% in placebo. ConclusionsOur results demonstrate feasibility for a larger definitive future study to assess the efficacy of fluoxetine in augmenting HCVR.

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