A medication used for epilepsy, called sulthiame, may help people with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), according to a clinical trial presented at the European Respiratory Society Congress in Vienna, Austria.
OSA is a common but serious condition where a person’s breathing stops and starts during sleep.
This often causes loud snoring, daytime tiredness, and an increased risk of health problems like high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Many people with OSA don’t even know they have it.
The standard treatment for OSA is using a machine called a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) that blows air into a face mask to keep the airways open.
However, many patients find it uncomfortable and difficult to use long-term, leaving a need for alternative options.
The trial, led by Professor Jan Hedner from Sahlgrenska University Hospital and the University of Gothenburg in Sweden, tested sulthiame on 298 patients across five European countries. The patients could not tolerate CPAP or similar devices.
The study was a high-quality trial where patients were randomly divided into four groups.
One group took a placebo (inactive pill), while the others took daily doses of sulthiame at 100 mg, 200 mg, or 300 mg.
Researchers monitored their breathing, oxygen levels, and other sleep-related factors over 12 weeks.
Sulthiame works by targeting the respiratory system, stimulating airway muscles, and reducing pauses in breathing. The results were promising:
- Patients on the lowest dose of sulthiame reduced their breathing pauses by nearly 18%.
- The medium dose reduced pauses by 35%.
- The highest dose reduced pauses by almost 40%.
A different measure showed even better results, with nearly a 50% reduction in breathing pauses at higher doses. Patients also experienced less daytime sleepiness and better oxygen levels during sleep.
Most side effects, such as mild headaches, fatigue, and nausea, were manageable. However, more research is needed. “Sulthiame shows potential as a treatment for OSA, especially for those unable to use mechanical devices,” said Professor Hedner. “But we still need larger studies to confirm these benefits.”
Experts like Professor Sophia Schiza, who was not involved in the research, find the results exciting. “This is one of the first studies to show that medication might help treat OSA. Future research could reveal if it also reduces risks like high blood pressure or heart disease.”
For those who snore and feel tired during the day, doctors recommend seeking medical advice. With continued research, medications like sulthiame could provide new hope for millions living with OSA.
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