Could a single shot of naloxone after a seizure save lives?

NCT ID NCT02332447

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tested whether a single dose of naloxone, given right after a generalized tonic-clonic seizure, can help people with epilepsy breathe better and avoid sudden death. Researchers enrolled 485 adults with drug-resistant epilepsy who were already in the hospital for monitoring. The goal was to see if naloxone could speed up recovery of oxygen levels after a seizure, compared to a placebo.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

naloxone

What this could lead to

If it works, this could point toward a way to prevent sudden death in epilepsy by using a drug that blocks opioids to restore normal breathing after a seizure.

What could go wrong

This is a proof-of-concept study testing a single dose right after a seizure, not a long-term solution. It may not work in real-world settings, and blocking opioids could theoretically worsen seizures.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

epilepsy focal epilepsy Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy visual epilepsy

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Service de Neurologie Fonctionnelle et d'Epileptologie et Institut des Epilepsies Hôpital Neurologique

    Lyon, France