Banzel

If you have Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, you may benefit from Banzel. This prescription medication is approved for use in combination with other seizure medications to control seizures in adults and children with this syndrome. The drug is available in tablet form, and is typically taken twice a day. Some of the common side effects of Banzel include headaches, nausea, and drowsiness.

Banzel Medication Information

What Is Banzel?

Banzel™ (rufinamide) is a prescription medication approved to treat seizures in people with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS). It is only approved for use in combination with other seizure medications and can be used in adults and children as young as four years old.

(Click Banzel Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses.)

Who Makes Banzel?

Banzel is made Eisai Co., Ltd.

How Does It Work?

Seizures are the result of brief changes in how the brain's electrical system works. It is not known exactly how Banzel works to treat seizures. Studies suggest that it may work by affecting sodium channels in the brain, preventing the abnormal activity from spreading to other parts. In particular, this medication seems to keep the sodium channels in an inactive state for a longer period of time, which helps control seizures.

Clinical Effects

This medication has been thoroughly evaluated in clinical studies. These studies evaluated Banzel in people with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome whose seizures were not adequately controlled with their current medications. Adding this medication significantly reduced seizure frequency by 32.7 percent, compared to only 11.7 percent who were given a placebo (a "sugar pill" that does not contain any active ingredients) in addition to their regular seizure medications.

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