Abstract
Summary
The anticonvulsant activity of synthetic antiparkinsonism agents has been studied in mice with experimental seizures and in children with myoclonic spasms refractory to conventional medications. Procyclidine and trihexyphenidyl protected mice from maximal electroshock seizures. Procyclidine was the more potent compound and was also effective against pentylenetetrazol seizures. In a preliminary, short-term clinical trial, procyclidine caused a reduction in the incidence of seizures in 10 of 16 patients treated. The antiparkinsonism agents are free of severe chronic toxicity and are contraindicated only in adults with glaucoma or urethral obstruction. Further laboratory and clinical investigation of the anticonvulsant activity of this class of compounds is recommended.
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