Clinical trial NCT02929667
Conditions: Epilepsy SUDEP
Keywords: Fluoxetine
Sponsor: Rup Kamal Sainju
Start date: 2017-02-16; Completion date: 2019-03-06
Enrollment: 30 participants; Allocation: RANDOMIZED; Intervention model: PARALLEL

Brief summary:
Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy patients (SUDEP) is devastating outcome for some patients with epilepsy. It ranks second only to stroke among neurological diseases in years of potential life lost. Patho-mechanisms of SUDEP remain not well understood, however peri-ictal respiratory dysfunction likely plays an important role in many cases.

Literature supports a critical role for the serotonergic system in central control of ventilation. Serotonin neurons in the raphe nuclei of the brainstem sense rising carbon dioxide and low pH, thereby stimulating breathing and arousal. These responses may serve as mechanisms that protect against asphyxia, particularly during sleep or the post-ictal state. In mouse models of seizure-induced sudden death, pre-treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) agents prevents death following seizures. Hence, the investigators hypothesize that a subset of drug resistant epilepsy patients who have impaired central chemo-responsiveness have a greater degree of peri-ictal respiratory depression, therefore a higher risk of SUDEP. The investigators further hypothesize that fluoxetine will improve central chemo-responsiveness and therefore will reduce peri-ictal respiratory depression.

Detailed description:
Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) refers to the sudden, unexpected, nontraumatic, non-drowning, witnessed or unwitnessed death of an individual with epilepsy. Postmortem examination in such cases fails to reveal an obvious medical or toxicologic cause for the death, and patients who die from SUDEP are typically healthy apart from their epilepsy. The incidence of SUDEP in epilepsy patients is estimated to be 0.1 in 1000 patient years, and this rate increases to \>9.3 per 1000 for those with durg resistant epilepsy (DRE) who are candidates for epilepsy surgery. Although thought to be rare, SUDEP is estimated to be responsible for 17% of all deaths in patients with epilepsy, and approximately 50% of all deaths in patients with DRE. It is second only to stroke among neurological diseases in YPLL because many who die of SUDEP are relatively young and therefore it is a major public health concern. While there are some acknowledged risk factors for SUDEP, the actual cause, or causes, of SUDEP is not known. Seizure induced respiratory depression is likely to be a major contributor in SUDEP in many cases.

Preliminary results from the ventilatory response to CO2 or hypercapnic ventilatory response (HCVR) study of patient with epilepsy in epilepsy monitoring unit (EMU) suggests prolonged period of CO2 elevation after seizures correlating with low HCVR. These findings suggest a defect in CO2 responsiveness in this high-risk population that may predispose to SUDEP. Serotonin nerve cells in the brain stem are responsible for detecting increases in CO2, and in response stimulating breathing and arousal from sleep. Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) drug that increases availability of serotonin in the brain. As such, it may serve to stimulate breathing after seizures in patients with epilepsy who exhibit low CO2 sensitivity at baseline and this may alter SUDEP risk.

This study consists of a double blind randomized controlled clinical trial with a 6-week titration of an intervention. It is designed to evaluate primarily feasibility of a larger clinical trial testing efficacy of fluoxetine in modifying HCVR in patients with epilepsy while also collecting important secondary and exploratory outcomes that would be valuable for designing future larger studies.

We will evaluate challenges in screening, enrollment, randomization, and completion of study-related procedures by quantifying the numbers of subjects eligible for screening, the number of subjects enrolled in the study per month, the proportion of patients successfully completing the study, and the specific challenges at each step. We will also assess challenges in setting up and performing outpatient HCVR testing.

Arms: arm 1: Subjects randomized to treatment arm will receive fluoxetine with titration schedule consisting of 10 mg per day for 1 week, 20 mg per day for 1 week, 40 mg per day for 2 weeks, 20 mg per day for 1 week and 10 mg per day for 1 week. Then stop. arm 2: Subjects randomized to control arm will receive placebo with titration schedule consisting of 10 mg per day for 1 week, 20 mg per day for 1 week, 40 mg per day for 2 weeks, 20 mg per day for 1 week and 10 mg per day for 1 week. Then stop.
Interventions: intervention 1: Fluoxetine intervention 2: Placebo
Intervention descriptions: intervention 1: Standard 6 weeks titration, starting 10 mg per day. intervention 2: Standard 6 weeks titration.

Protocol documents:
Prot_SAP_000.pdf: 
Abnormal ventilatory response to carbon dioxide in epilepsy patients a potential biomarker for 
seizure induced respiratory depression & modification by SSRI- a pilot study 
Protocol Identifying Number: 201607761 
NCT02929667 
Principal Investigator: Rup Sainju, MBBS 
IND/IDE Sponsor: NA 
Funded by: CURE Epilepsy 
Draft or Version Number:  v 01.2 
June 28th, 2017 
 


ii 
 
Table of Contents 
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS ....................................................................................................................... 1 
STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE .............................................................................................................. 1 
PROTOCOL SUMMARY ............................................................................................................................ 2 
SCHEMATIC OF STUDY DESIGN ........................................................................................................... 4 
1 
KEY ROLES ..................................................................................................................................... 5 
2  
INTRODUCTION: BACKGROUND INFORMATION AND SCIENTIFIC RATIONALE .......... 6 
2.1 
Background Information .......................................................................................................... 6 
2.2 
Rationale .................................................................................................................................. 6 
2.3 
Potential Risks and Benefits .................................................................................................... 6 
2.3.1 
Known Potential Risks ........................................................................................... 7 
2.3.2 
Known Potential Benefits ...................................................................................... 7 
3 
OBJECTIVES AND PURPOSE ....................................................................................................... 7 
4 
STUDY DESIGN AND ENDPOINTS ............................................................................................. 7 
4.1 
Description of the Study Design .............................................................................................. 7 
4.2.1 
Primary Endpoint ................................................................................................... 8 
4.2.2 
Secondary Endpoints ............................................................................................. 8 
4.2.3 
Exploratory Endpoints ........................................................................................... 8 
5 
STUDY ENROLLMENT AND WITHDRAWAL ........................................................................... 9 
5.1 
Participant Inclusion Criteria ................................................................................................... 9 
5.2 
Participant Exclusion Criteria .................................................................................................. 9 
5.3 
Strategies for Recruitment and Retention .............................................................................. 10 
5.4 
Participant Withdrawal or termination .................................................................................. 10 
5.4.1 
Reasons for Withdrawal or Termination .............................................................. 10 
5.4.2 
Handling of Participant Withdrawals or termination ........................................... 10 
5.5 
Premature Termination or Suspension of Study .................................................................... 11 
6 
STUDY AGENT ............................................................................................................................. 11 
6.1 
Study Agent(s) and Control Description ............................................................................... 11 
6.1.1 
Acquisition ........................................................................................................... 11 
6.1.2 
Formulation, Appearance, Packaging, and Labeling ........................................... 11 
6.1.3 
Product Storage and Stability .............................................................................. 11 
6.1.4 
Preparation ........................................................................................................... 11 
6.1.5 
Dosing and Administration .................................................................................. 11 
6.1.6 
Route of Administration ...................................................................................... 11 
6.1.7 
Starting Dose and Dose Escalation Schedule ...................................................... 11 
6.1.8 
Dose Adjustments/Modifications/Delays ............................................................ 11 
6.1.9 
Duration of Therapy ............................................................................................. 11 
6.1.10 
Tracking of Dose ................................................................................................. 11 
6.1.11 
Device Specific Considerations ........................................................................... 11 
6.2 
Study agent Accountability Procedures ................................................................................. 12 
7 
STUDY PROCEDURES AND SCHEDULE ................................................................................. 12 
7.1 
Study Procedures/Evaluations ............................................................................................... 12 
7.1.1 
Study specific procedures .................................................................................... 12 
7.1.2 
Standard of care study procedures ....................................................................... 12 
7.2 
Laboratory Procedures/Evaluations ....................................................................................... 12 
7.2.1 
Clinical Laboratory Evaluations .......................................................................... 12 
7.2.2 
Other Assays or Procedures ................................................................................. 13 
7.2.3 
Specimen Preparation, Handling, and Storage .................................................... 13 
7.2.4 
Specimen Shipment ............................................................................................. 13 
7.3 
Study Schedule ...................................................................................................................... 13 


iii 
 
7.3.1 
Screening ............................................................................................................. 13 
7.3.2 
Enrollment/Baseline............................................................................................. 13 
7.3.3 
Follow-up ............................................................................................................. 14 
7.3.4 
Final Study Visit .................................................................................................. 14 
7.3.5 
Early Termination Visit ....................................................................................... 14 
7.3.7 
Schedule of Events Table .................................................................................... 14 
7.4 
Justification for Sensitive Procedures .................................................................................... 15 
7.5 
Concomitant Medications, Treatments, and Procedures........................................................ 15 
7.5.1 
Precautionary Medications, Treatments, and Procedures .................................... 15 
7.6 
Prohibited Medications, Treatments, and Procedures ............................................................ 15 
7.7 
Prophylactic Medications, Treatments, and Procedures ........................................................ 16 
7.8 
Rescue Medications, Treatments, and Procedures ................................................................. 16 
7.9 
Participant Access to Study Agent At Study Closure ............................................................ 16 
8 
ASSESSMENT OF SAFETY ......................................................................................................... 16 
8.1 
Specification of Safety Parameters ........................................................................................ 16 
8.1.1 
Definition of Adverse Events (AE)...................................................................... 16 
8.1.2 
Definition of Serious Adverse Events (SAE) ...................................................... 16 
8.1.3 
Definition of Unanticipated Problems (UP) ........................................................ 16 
8.2 
Classification of an Adverse Event ........................................................................................ 17 
8.2.1 
Severity of Event ................................................................................................. 17 
8.2.2 
Relationship to Study Agent ................................................................................ 17 
8.2.3 
Expectedness ........................................................................................................ 17 
8.3 
Time Period and Frequency for Event Assessment and Follow-Up ...................................... 18 
8.4 
Reporting Procedures ............................................................................................................. 18 
8.4.1 
Adverse Event Reporting ..................................................................................... 18 
8.4.2 
Serious Adverse Event Reporting ........................................................................ 18 
8.4.3 
Unanticipated Problem Reporting........................................................................ 19 
8.4.4 
Events of Special Interest .................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. 
8.4.5 
Reporting of Pregnancy ....................................................................................... 19 
8.5 
Study Halting Rules ............................................................................................................... 20 
8.6 
Safety Oversight .................................................................................................................... 20 
9 
CLINICAL MONITORING ............................................................................................................ 20 
10 
STATISTICAL CONSIDERATIONS ............................................................................................ 20 
10.1 
Statistical and Analytical Plans.............................................................................................. 20 
10.2 
Statistical Hypotheses ............................................................................................................ 20 
10.3 
Analysis Datasets ................................................................................................................... 20 
10.4 
Description of Statistical Methods ......................................................................................... 20 
10.4.1 
General Approach ................................................................................................ 20 
10.4.2 
Analysis of the Primary Efficacy Endpoint(s) ..................................................... 21 
10.4.3 
Analysis of the Secondary Endpoint(s)................................................................ 21 
10.4.4 
Safety Analyses.................................................................................................... 22 
10.4.5 
Adherence and Retention Analyses ..................................................................... 22 
10.4.6  
Baseline Descriptive Statistics ............................................................................. 22 
10.4.7 
Planned Interim Analyses .................................................................................... 22 
10.4.9 
Multiple Comparison/Multiplicity ....................................................................... 22 
10.4.10 
Tabulation of Individual Response Data.............................................................. 22 
10.4.11 
Exploratory Analyses ........................................................................................... 23 
10.5 
Sample Size ........................................................................................................................... 23 
10.6 
Measures to Minimize Bias ................................................................................................... 23 
10.6.1 
Enrollment/ Randomization/ Masking Procedures .............................................. 23 
10.6.2 
Evaluation of Success of Blinding ....................................................................... 23 


iv 
 
10.6.3 
Breaking the Study Blind/Participant Code ......................................................... 23 
11 
SOURCE DOCUMENTS AND ACCESS TO SOURCE DATA/DOCUMENTS ......................... 23 
12 
QUALITY ASSURANCE AND QUALITY CONTROL .............. Error! Bookmark not defined. 
13 
ETHICS/PROTECTION OF HUMAN SUBJECTS ....................................................................... 24 
13.1 
Ethical Standard ..................................................................................................................... 24 
13.2 
Institutional Review Board .................................................................................................... 24 
13.3 
Informed Consent Process ..................................................................................................... 24 
13.3.1 
Consent/assent and Other Informational Documents Provided to Participants ... 24 
13.3.2 
Consent Procedures and Documentation ............................................................. 24 
13.4 
Participant and data Confidentiality ...................................................................................... 25 
13.4.1 
Research Use of Stored Human Samples,Specimens or Data ...Error! Bookmark 
not defined. 
13.5 
Future Use of Stored Specimens ............................................ Error! Bookmark not defined. 
14 
DATA HANDLING AND RECORD KEEPING ........................................................................... 25 
14.1 
Data Collection and Management Responsibilities ............................................................... 25 
14.2 
Study Records Retention ....................................................................................................... 26 
14.3 
Protocol Deviations ............................................................................................................... 26 
14.4 
Publication and Data Sharing Policy ..................................................................................... 26 
15 
STUDY ADMINISTRATION ........................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined. 
15.1 
Study Leadership ................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. 
16 
CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY ............................................ Error! Bookmark not defined. 
17  
LITERATURE REFERENCES ...................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. 
APPENDIX ................................................................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined. 
 


Abnormal ventilatory response to carbon dioxide in epilepsy patients a potential biomarker for 
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LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS 
 
SUDEP 
Sudden unexpected and unexplained death in patients with epilepsy 
HCVR 
Hypercapnic Ventilatory Response  
VE 
Minute Ventilation 
ETCO2 
End tidal carbon dioxide 
VRTCO2 
Ventilatory recruitment threshold for carbon dioxide 
EMU 
Epilepsy Monitoring Unit 
 
STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE 
The trial will be carried out in accordance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP) as required by the following 
(use applicable regulations depending on study location and sponsor requirements; examples follow): • 
United States (US) Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) applicable to clinical studies (45 CFR Part 46, 21 
CFR Part 50, 21 CFR Part 56, 21 CFR Part 312, and/or 21 CFR Part 812) • ICH E6 All key personnel (all 
individuals responsible for the design and conduct of this trial) have completed Human Subjects 
Protection Training. 
 
I agree to ensure that all staff members involved in the conduct of this study are informed about their 
obligations in meeting the above commitments.  
 
 
Principal Investigator: ___Rup Sainju, MD______________________  
               Print/Type Name  
 
 
 
Signed: _____________________________________ Date: 6/28/2017 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


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PROTOCOL SUMMARY 
Title: 
Abnormal ventilatory response to carbon dioxide in epilepsy patients: a 
potential biomarker for seizure induced respiratory depression & 
modification by SSRI- a pilot study 
 
Précis: 
Double blind randomized phase II clinical trial. 
Patients with epilepsy either undergoing video EEG study or being planned 
for one, will be screened by HCVR test. Fourty subjects with a depressed 
response (slope <2.0 L/mim/mm Hg) will be randomized to either 
fluoxetine or placebo (1:1) 
 
Intervention will be for 6 weeks.  
 
Subjects will be enrolled in two different locations, EMU or neurology 
clinic. A follow up HCVR testing will be done at one month. 
Continuous VEEG, and comprehensive respiratory monitoring (chest & 
abdominal belts, oro-nasal pressure & thermistry, pulse oximeter and 
trancutanesous CO2 monitor) will be collected. 
Change in the HCVR before and after intervention in two groups will be 
compared to determine effect of the drug. Similarly, differenc in severity of 
peri-ictal respiratory abnormalities will be compared between two arms. 
    
Objectives: 
 
Primary Objective:  
To assess feasibility of successfully enrolling subjects 
 
Secondary Obective: 
To evaluate effect of fluoxetine on HCVR and peri-ictal respiratory 
depression in drug resistant epilepsy patients. 
 
 
 
 


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Endpoint 
Primary End point:  
Study recruitment rate assessed every 3 months through the study 
completion 
Study retention rate assessed every 3  months through the study completion 
 
Secondary End point: 
Change in mood score using PHQ-9 score 
Change in minute ventilation during HCVR testing 
Change in slope of HCVR  
Difference in duration of abnormal breathing in periictal period 
Difference in oxygen saturation during periictal period 
Differrence in CO2 level in periictal period 
 
 
 
Exploratory End points: 
Change in VRTCO2 
Change in time to VRTCO2 
Change in time to end of HCVR testing 
 
 
Population: 
Subjects age 18-75 years, both genders, drug resistant epilepsy with no 
prior severe depression or other psychiatry co-morbidities but otherwise 
healthy, mostly living in State of Iowa will be screened for this study. 
Phase: 
2 
Number of Sites 
enrolling participants: 
1 
Description of Study 
Agent : 
Fluoxetine, given by mouth with a standard titration over 6 weeks. 
10 mg for 1 week, 20 mg for 1 week, 40 mg for 2 weeks, 20 mg for 1 week, 
10 mg for 1 week then STOP 
Study Duration: 
2 years 
Participant Duration: 
6 weeks 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


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SCHEMATIC OF STUDY DESIGN 
A. Group 1: Enrollment in Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU)  or Neurology Clinic (patients not 
planned for Video EEG admission.) 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
B. Group 2: Enrollment in neurology clinic: Epilepsy patient planned for video EEG admission 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Screening by using inclusion and exclusion criteria, medical history, Iowa SSRI Screening questionnaire, HCVR slope 
Randomization to either Fluoxetine or Placebo (N=20, 1:1) 
Week 1 and Week 3: Follow up phone calls- assessment of adherence & safety 
Week 4. Follow up. PHQ-9 scale, pregnancy screen in women. HCVR testing with assement of end points.  
Screening by using inclusion and exclusion criteria, medical history, Iowa SSRI Screening questionnaire, HCVR testing 
 
Randomization to either Fluoxetine or Placebo (N=20, 1:1) 
 
Week 1 and Week 3: Follow up phone calls: assessment of adherence & safety 
Week 4: Admit to EMU. PHQ-9 score, pregnancy screen, HCVR testing, Video EEG & comprehensive respiratory monitoring,  
 
Iowa SSRI study questionnaire, PHQ-9 scale, assessment of video EEG and comprehensive respiratory data (when applicable) 
Iowa SSRI study questionnaire, PHQ-9 scale 
 
Week 5 & 6 dose taper 
Week 7: Follow up phone call- Assessment of safety 
Week 5 & 6: Dose taper. 
 Week 7: Follow up phone call-Assessment of safety. 


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1 
KEY ROLES 
 
Rup Sainju, MBBS 
Role: Principal investigator 
Institution: The University of Iowa, 
Address: 200 Hawkins Drive, 2nd floor- RCP neurology clinic, Iowa City, Iowa, 52242, USA 
Phone number: 319-353-7767 
Email: rup-sainju@uiowa.edu 
 
Brian Gehlbach, MD 
Role: Co-Investigator 
Institution: The University of Iowa, 
Address: 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, Iowa, 52242, USA 
Phone number: 319-356-3601 
Email: brain-gehlbach@uiowa.edu 
 
Mark Granner, MD 
Role: Co-Investigator 
Institution: The University of Iowa, 
Address: 200 Hawkins Drive, 2nd floor- RCP neurology clinic, Iowa City, Iowa, 52242, USA 
Phone number: 319-356-7235 
Email: mark-granner@uiowa.edu 
 
George Richerson, MD PhD 
Role: Co-Investigator 
Institution: The University of Iowa, 
Address: 200 Hawkins Drive, 2nd floor- RCP neurology clinic, Iowa City, Iowa, 52242, USA 
Phone number: 319-356-4296 
Email: George-richerson@uiowa.edu 
 
Patrick Ten Eyck, PhD 
Role: Biostatistician 
Institution: The University of Iowa, 
Address: 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, Iowa, 52242, USA 
Phone number: 319-384-5242 
Email: patrick-teneyck@uiowa.edu  
 
Gordon Buchanan, MD PhD 
Role: Independent Medical Examiner 
Institution: The University of Iowa, 
Address: 200 Hawkins Drive, 2nd floor- RCP neurology clinic, Iowa City, Iowa, 52242, USA 
Phone number: 319-335-9812 
Email: Gordon-buchanan@uiowa.edu 
 
 


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Deidre Dragon 
Role: Research Coordinator 
Institution: The University of Iowa, 
Address: 200 Hawkins Drive, 2nd floor- RCP neurology clinic, Iowa City, Iowa, 52242, USA 
Phone number: 319-356-4337 
Email: deidre-nitschke-dragon@uiowa.edu 
 
2  
INTRODUCTION: BACKGROUND INFORMATION AND SCIENTIFIC 
RATIONALE  
 
2.1 
BACKGROUND INFORMATION  
Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy patients (SUDEP) ranks second only to stroke among neurological 
diseases in years of potential life lost (YPLL). While the specific mechanisms of death in SUDEP are not 
well understood, per-ictal respiratory dysfunction likely plays an important role in many cases. Seizure 
related respiratory depression of variable severity is commonly observed, and on rare instances may be 
fatal. There is a gap in our knowledge regarding the mechanisms responsible for peri-ictal respiratory 
dysfunction. A better understanding of these mechanisms would open the door to interventions to 
decrease the risk of SUDEP.  
Several lines of evidence support a critical role for the serotonergic system in central control of 
ventilation. Serotonin neurons in the raphe nuclei of the brainstem sense rising carbon dioxide and low 
pH, thereby stimulating breathing and arousal. These responses may serve as mechanisms that protect 
against asphyxia, particularly during sleep or the post-ictal state. In addition, data from animal and human 
studies also indicate that serotonin possesses independent anti-seizure properties. Finally, in mouse 
models of seizure-induced sudden death, pre-treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) 
agents prevents death following seizures. These observations led us to formulate our central hypothesis: 
that a subset of epilepsy patients has impaired central chemo-responsiveness as tested by the ventilatory 
response to inhalation of carbon dioxide (hypercapnic ventilatory response, HCVR), and this correlates 
with a greater degree of peri-ictal respiratory depression, thereby increasing the risk of terminal 
cardiorespiratory dysfunction and death. We further hypothesize that the administration of fluoxetine (an 
SSRI agent) to patients with a depressed HCVR will enhance CO2 sensitivity, and reduce the severity of 
peri-ictal respiratory depression.  
2.2 
RATIONALE  
Fluoxetine is an FDA approved drug commonly and safely used to treat depression, anxiety, obsessive 
compulsive disorder and eating disorders. Its toxicology has been well studied in animal and human. 
Fluoxetine has been used safely in human to modify HCVR in panic disorder population. However, it has 
been not studied yet in epilepsy population. We hypothesize that administration of fluoxetine (an SSRI 
agent) to patients with a depressed HCVR will enhance CO2 sensitivity, and reduce the severity of peri-
ictal respiratory depression.  
2.3 
POTENTIAL RISKS AND BENEFITS  
 
 


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2.3.1 KNOWN POTENTIAL RISKS  
 
Fluoxetine is a FDA approved antidepressant medicine which is used very frequently and safely. Some patients 
may experience some side effects that include: Nausea, diarrhea, anorexia, dry mouth, dyspepsia, insomnia, 
anxiety, nervousness, somnolence, tremor, decreased libido, abnormal dreams, headache, asthenia, flu like 
syndrome, fever, weight loss, Flatulence, constipation, rash, pruritus, abnormal vision etc. However, rare and 
serious side effects are also possible which include; worsening depression, increase suicidal thoughts or actions, 
mood swings, acting aggressive or violent, serotonin syndrome, severe allergic reaction- trouble breathing, 
swelling of face, tongue, eyes or mouth, rash, hives,  abnormal bleeding if you are taking blood thinner coumadin 
warfarin (Coumadin®), a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, like Ibuprofen or naproxen), or 
aspirin, increase in seizure frequency and possible irregular heart rhythm called Torsades de pointes due 
prolonged QT. 
Fluoxetine is classified by FDA as category “C” for use in pregnancy which means there is a known risk of birth 
defect animal fetus but there are no adequate data and well-controlled studies in human.  
Stopping fluoxetine suddenly can cause serious symptoms including: 
• 
 
Anxiety, irritability, high or low mood, feeling restless or changes in sleep habits 
• 
 
Headache, sweating, nausea, dizziness 
• 
 
Shaking, confusion etc 
 
2.3.2 KNOWN POTENTIAL BENEFITS  
 
Improvement in mood.  
 
3 
OBJECTIVES AND PURPOSE 
 
Primary Object: To assess feasibility of successfully enrolling subjects 
 
Secondary Obect: To evaluate effect of fluoxetine on HCVR and peri-ictal respiratory depression in drug 
resistant epilepsy patients. 
 
4 
STUDY DESIGN AND ENDPOINTS 
 
4.1 
DESCRIPTION OF THE STUDY DESIGN 
 
Double blind placebo-controlled randomized prospective trial 
Two enrolling locations: EMU and Neurology Clinic 
• 1)  To test effect of Fluoxetine on HCVR: Subjects will be screened in the EMU and neurology clinic. 
Subjects eligible are those with patients with epilepsy who have a reduced baseline HCVR slope 
(<2.0 L/min/mmHg). Subjects will be enrolled, and randomized to either fluoxetine or placebo 
(1:1) until 20 subjects complete the study. Investigational Drug Services (IDS), at the University 
of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (UIHC), will be responsible for randomizing and dispensing the 


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drugs. Both fluoxetine and placebo will be encapsulated in identical casing to mask their identity. 
Both the subjects and the investigators will be blinded to the randomization process. A standard 
titration plan will consist of fluoxetine or placebo 10 mg per day for a week, then 20 mg per day 
for a week and then 40 mg per day for 2 weeks, upon discharge. Subjects will return after 4 
weeks for follow up HCVR testing in the Clinical Research Unit at UIHC. For each subject, the 
magnitude of post-treatment HCVR in terms of HCVR slope, minute ventilation, VRTCO2, time 
to VRTCO2 and time to target ETCO2 at the end of the study will be compared with their baseline 
HCVR. The medication adherence rate, safey concerns and change in mood scale will be assessed 
at follow up. Reported adverse effects will be collected for all subjects. Enrolment rate and study 
completion rates will also be assessed every 6 months.  
• 2)  To test effect of fluoxetine on peri-ictal respiratory depression: Subjects will be screened in 
neurlogy clinic from a group of previously diagnosed patients with epilepsy who are planned for 
VEEG study. Eligible subjects will undergo HCVR testing. Eligible subjects with a reduced 
baseline HCVR slope (<2.0 L/min/mmHg) will be enrolled and randomized to fluoxetine vs 
placebo (1:1) until a total of 20 subjects complete the study. Both the subjects and investigators 
will be blinded to the randomization process. A standard titration plan for fluoxetine & placebo 
will be as above, for 4 weeks prior to EMU admission. During EMU admission, the subjects will 
be monitored with VEEG, EKG, EMG, SpO2, tcCO2/ETCO2, oral & nasal thermistor & pressure 
transducer to measure airway pressure, and RIP with abdominal & chest belts to measure change 
in circumference during respiration. Peri-ictal respiratory changes in the two groups will be 
compared to assess the effect of fluoxetine.  
 
 
4.2.1 PRIMARY ENDPOINT 
 
Study recruitment rate assessed every 3 months 
Study completion rate assessed every 3 months 
 
 
4.2.2 SECONDARY ENDPOINTS 
 
Change in mood score using PHQ-9 score 
Change in minute ventilation during HCVR testing 
Change in slope of HCVR 
Difference in duration of abnormal breathing in periictal period 
Difference in oxygen saturation during periictal period 
Differrence in CO2 level in periictal period 
 
 
4.2.3 EXPLORATORY ENDPOINTS 
Change in VRTCO2 
Change in time to VRTCO2 
Change in time to end of HCVR testing 
 


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We will compare all the secondary outcome and exploratory measures using generalized linear models 
(GLMs), specifying an identity link for normally distributed data and the log link for right-skewed data. 
 
 
5 
STUDY ENROLLMENT AND WITHDRAWAL 
 
5.1 
PARTICIPANT INCLUSION CRITERIA 
1. Adult patients aged 18 or older 
2. Patients with epilepsy,  
3. Native English speaker or adequate fluency in English to provide informed consent. 
4. Female patients of child-bearing potential must be using two acceptable method of contraception, 
or willing to refrain from sexual intercourse during the study. 
 
5.2 
PARTICIPANT EXCLUSION CRITERIA 
1. Progressive neurological disease. 
2. Clinical diagnosis of bipolar disease, panic disorder, psychosis or severe depression, or PHQ-9 
score > 20 
3. Patients with prior hospitalization related to depression or Electroconvulsive therapy. 
4. History of suicidal ideation or intent in past or present 
5. Clinical history or laboratory evidence of hepatic or renal insufficiency. 
6. Pregnant or lactating women. 
7. Current heavy alcohol use (>14 drinks per week for men or >7 drinks per week for women) or) 
known medical disorder related to alcohol use or current illicit drug use. 
8. Patients with recent use (<1 month) or already taking fluoxetine or other selective serotonin 
reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). 
9. Concurrent use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors, antipsychotic agents, antidepressant agents 
other than SSRIs or frequent use of triptan agents (>2/week). 
10. History of a previous allergic reaction or adverse effects with fluoxetine, hypersensitive reaction-
anaphylaxis; laryngeal edema; hives 
11. History of serotonin syndrome. 
12. History of uncontrolled pulmonary or cardiac illness. 
13. Patients with normal hypercapnic ventilatory response, i.e. HCVR slope of >2.0 
14. Patients with known prolong QT interval 
15. Patients with family history of prolong QT interval 
16. Patients with family history of sudden cardiac death. 
 
 
 


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5.3 
STRATEGIES FOR RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION 
 
Patients, 18-75 year age, with epilepsy being treated at EMU & neurology clinic at the University of Iowa 
Hospital & Clinics will be screened for their eligibility for this study. Subjects with lack of consent 
capacity including severe mentally ill, prisoners, cognitive impaired, pregnant, children, prisoner, non 
English speaking and employee vounteers will be excluded from the study. 
 
Approximately, 100 subjects will undergo HCVR testing for screening;  Eligible subjects will be 
randomized to fluoxetine vs placebo, until each group has 20 completed subjects. 
Anticipated accrual rate: 2/month 
Number of sites and participants in US site: 1 
Source of participants and Recruitment venues: Patients, 18-75 year age, with  epilepsy being treated at 
EMU & neurology clinic at the University of Iowa Hospital & Clinics 
Types of advertisements planned: Emails with information regarding the study will be distributed among 
neurology physicians working at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics. 
 
Subjects will be contacted via telephone as a part of study protocol followup which may improve 
retention. 
 
5.4 
PARTICIPANT WITHDRAWAL OR TERMINATION 
 
5.4.1 REASONS FOR WITHDRAWAL OR TERMINATION 
 
Participants are free to withdraw from participation in the study at any time upon request. 
An investigator may terminate participation in the study if: 
• 
Any clinical serious adverse events related or unrelated to the study. 
• 
The participant meets an exclusion criteria (either newly developed or not previously 
recognized) that precludes further participation. 
 
5.4.2 HANDLING OF PARTICIPANT WITHDRAWALS OR TERMINATION 
 
If the participant withdraws or terminates participation in the study prior to randomization to one of the 
intervention arms, no attempt for follow up will be made.  
 
If the participant withdraws or terminates participation in the study after randomization to one of the 
intervention, we will attempt to contact them via phone calls for safety follow up. No other outcome 
measures will be collected.  
 
If the participant in the study  develops serious adverse events (SAEs), they will be terminated from 
further participation in the study. They will be referred for appropriate evaluation and treatment (if 
already not being done). They will be followed up until resolution of the adverse events. 
 
 
 


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5.5 
PREMATURE TERMINATION OR SUSPENSION OF STUDY 
 
Circumstances that may warrant termination or suspension include, but are not limited to:  
• Determination of unexpected, significant, or unacceptable risk to participants  
• Poor recruitment and/or completion rates  
 
6 
STUDY AGENT 
 
6.1 
STUDY AGENT(S) AND CONTROL DESCRIPTION 
 
6.1.1 ACQUISITION 
The study drug (fluoxetine) and placebo are compounded by Belmar Research, Lakewood Colorado but 
will be dispensed by Investigational Drug Service, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. 
 
6.1.2 FORMULATION, APPEARANCE, PACKAGING, AND LABELING 
Blue opaque capsule, no lettering or embossing 
 
6.1.3 PRODUCT STORAGE AND STABILITY 
NA 
6.1.4 PREPARATION 
Belmar Research will use commericially available generic fluoxetine for the study but will prepare 
identical placebo. 
6.1.5 DOSING AND ADMINISTRATION 
Once a day by mouth 
6.1.6 ROUTE OF ADMINISTRATION 
Oral 
6.1.7 STARTING DOSE AND DOSE ESCALATION SCHEDULE 
10 mg once a day for one week, 20 mg once a day for one week, 40 mg once a day for two weeks, 20 mg 
once a day for one week and 10 mg once a day for one week. Then STOP. 
 
6.1.8 DOSE ADJUSTMENTS/MODIFICATIONS/DELAYS 
Subjects will be allowed to take 40 mg/day of drug vs placebo for maximum of an extra 1 week in case of 
delay in follow up appointment. 
 
6.1.9 DURATION OF THERAPY 
6 weeks 
 
6.1.10 TRACKING OF DOSE 
Phone follow up and counting pill in the pill container at follow up visit. 
 
6.1.11 DEVICE SPECIFIC CONSIDERATIONS 
NA 


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6.2 
STUDY AGENT ACCOUNTABILITY PROCEDURES 
 
Belmar Research will be responsible for compounding. But, Investigational Drug Services, Department of 
pharmaceutical care at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics will be responsible for storing, 
labelling and dispensing of the drugs. 
 
7 
STUDY PROCEDURES AND SCHEDULE 
 
7.1 
STUDY PROCEDURES/EVALUATIONS 
7.1.1 STUDY SPECIFIC PROCEDURES  
 
• 
Review medical history using electronic medical record, interviewing the potential subjects and 
use Iowa SSRI screening questionnaire. 
• 
Medication history will be reviewed by direct interview with the subjects 
• 
Screening for pregnancy will be done using questionnaire and urinary pregnancy test as 
applicable 
• 
HCVR testing will be performed (as applicable) for baseline assessment prior to randomization 
and a follow up HCVR testing after randomized to an intervention arm. 
• 
Eligible subjects will answer Iowa SSRI study questionnaire, and PHQ-9 scale 
• 
Assessment of study drug adherence will be done by follow up phone calls and direct pill count at 
follow up visit 
• 
Continuous comprehensive respiratory monitoring (respiratory inductance plethysmography 
abdominal and chest belts, nasal pressure, oro-nasal thermistry, pulse oximetry and 
transcutaneous carbon dioxide) will be done when the subjects are in EMU. 
• 
 
7.1.2 STANDARD OF CARE STUDY PROCEDURES  
 
• 
Continuous video EEG study in EMU 
 
7.2 
LABORATORY PROCEDURES/EVALUATIONS 
 
7.2.1 CLINICAL LABORATORY EVALUATIONS  
 
Urine pregnancy test (as applicable) will be done prior to HCVR.  
 
HCVR testing in EMU: 
Ultima PFX with gas chromatography machine will be used for HCVR testing. The machine will be 
operated by a well-trained respiratory therapist.  
 
Subjects enrolled in EMU will have their baseline HCVR testing at the bedside either in a sitting up in 
their bed or in a chair. And those newly enrolled or follow up subjects in neurology clinic will have their 


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HCVR testing in CRU. Subject will wear a noise cancelling headphone and will be asked to look at a 
white/blank screen during the procedure. 
 
The subjects will apply a nasal clip and then breathe through through a Y-valve that allows switching 
from room air to a 5-liter rebreathing bag filled with 50% oxygen, 6% carbon dioxide, and balance 
nitrogen.. The test will begin with measurement of baseline respiratory parameters- respiratory rate, 
minute ventilation, tidal volume, ETCO2,  end-tidal oxygen breathing in room air for 2 minutes.  They will 
then asked to hyperventilate to bring their ETCO2 to 30 mm Hg.Then, they will be switched to a 
rebreathing bag. The subjects will be instructed to take 2 deep breaths promote rapid equilibration of 
PCO2 between the rebreathing bag and the alveolar, arterial and mixed venous compartments and then 
however they feel to make themselves comfortable. 
 
The test will be terminated for: (1) ETCO2 > 55 mm Hg; (2) ETO2< 160 mm Hg; (3) minute ventilation > 
100 liters/minute; and/or (4) subject intolerance.  
 
At the end of the test, the subjects will be asked to fill out questionnaire regarding their experience during 
the tests. 
 
7.2.2 OTHER ASSAYS OR PROCEDURES 
None 
7.2.3 SPECIMEN PREPARATION, HANDLING, AND STORAGE 
None 
7.2.4 SPECIMEN SHIPMENT 
NONE 
7.3 
STUDY SCHEDULE 
 
7.3.1 SCREENING 
 
Potential subjects for the study will be are referred by treating neurologists at neurology clinic & EMU at 
the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics.  
• 
Referred subjects are screened based on review of medical history & Iowa SSRI screening 
questionnaire.  
• 
Written informed consent will be obtained from the participants 
• 
Subjects will undergo HCVR testing for determining eligibility for enrolling in intervention part 
of the study 
 
7.3.2 ENROLLMENT/BASELINE 
 
• 
Obtain informed consent of potential participant verified by signature on study informed consent 
form.  
• 
Verify inclusion/exclusion criteria.  
• 
Obtain urine pregnancy test when applicable.  
• 
Obtain demographic information, medical history, medication history, alcohol and tobacco use 
history.  


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• 
Perform HCVR testing 
• 
PHQ-9 score 
• 
Randomize to one of the intervention arm 
• 
Discharge randomized subjects with assigned treatment with one week of 10 mg, one week of 20 
mg and 4 weeks of 40 mg pills.  
 
7.3.3 FOLLOW-UP  
Follow up phone call at end of week 1 and 3 
Record for adverse events as reported by the participants. 
If suspicious for mania, will perform full Altman self-report maniac scale 
Record compliance to assigned treatment as reported by the participants. 
Record current medication  
 
Follow up visit 4 weeks (+/-1 week) after randomization 
Record for adverse events as reported by the participants. 
Record compliance to assigned treatment as reported by the participants and by counting pill from 
the pill container brought by the participants. 
 
Record PHQ-9 score 
 
Repeat HCVR testing  
Record current medication  
 
Video EEG study with comprehensive respiratory monitoring in EMU for paticipants enrolled at 
neurology clinic 
 
7.3.4 FINAL STUDY VISIT 
Follow up phone call at week 7:  
Record for adverse events as reported by the participants. 
Record current medication  
 
7.3.5 EARLY TERMINATION VISIT 
NA 
 
7.3.7 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS TABLE 
 
Procedures 
Screening 
Enrollment 
Follow up 
phone call 
Follow up 
phone call 
Follow up visit 
at week 4 
Final  follow 
up phone call 
k
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Informed consent 
X 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Demographics 
X 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Medical history 
X 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Iowa SSRI 
Sscreening 
Questionnaire 
X 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


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Procedures 
Screening 
Enrollment 
Follow up 
phone call 
Follow up 
phone call 
Follow up visit 
at week 4 
Final  follow 
up phone call 
k
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pregnancy screening 
questionnaire & 
urinary pregnancy 
test 
X 
 
 
 
X 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Medication history 
X 
 
X 
X 
X 
X 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Iowa SSRI study 
questionnaire 
 
X 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
HCVR testing 
X 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PHQ-9 score 
 
X 
 
 
X 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Randomization 
 
X 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Video EEG & 
respiratory 
monitoring in EMU 
Xa 
Xa 
 
 
Xb 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Adverse events 
evaluation 
 
 
X 
X 
X 
X 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assessment of 
compliance 
 
 
X 
X 
X 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
a: Subjects enrolled from EMU 
b: Subjects enrolled from neurology clinic 
 
7.4 
JUSTIFICATION FOR SENSITIVE PROCEDURES 
Titration schedule of the drug is designed to minimize adverse events as well as withdrawal symptoms.  
 
7.5 
CONCOMITANT MEDICATIONS, TREATMENTS, AND PROCEDURES  
 
 
7.5.1 PRECAUTIONARY MEDICATIONS, TREATMENTS, AND PROCEDURES 
Use of pain medicines like NSAIDs, and Aspirin. Use of blood thinner including Aspirin and warfarin. 
 
7.6 
PROHIBITED MEDICATIONS, TREATMENTS, AND PROCEDURES  
Subjects will be asked to avoid starting any new medications that may be associated with interaction or 
lead to serotonin syndrome. These include antidepressants, antipsychotics, other SSRI agents, migraine 
medicine- particularly “Triptan family”, linezolid, methylene blue. These medication can lead to 
“serotonin syndrome”. 
 


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7.7 
PROPHYLACTIC MEDICATIONS, TREATMENTS, AND PROCEDURES  
NA 
7.8 
RESCUE MEDICATIONS, TREATMENTS, AND PROCEDURES  
NA 
7.9 
PARTICIPANT ACCESS TO STUDY AGENT AT STUDY CLOSURE  
NA 
 
8 
ASSESSMENT OF SAFETY 
 
8.1 
SPECIFICATION OF SAFETY PARAMETERS 
All serious and non serious adverse events will be recorded 
 
8.1.1 DEFINITION OF ADVERSE EVENTS (AE) 
 
Adverse event means any untoward medical occurrence associated with the use of an intervention, 
whether or not considered intervention-related. 
 
8.1.2 DEFINITION OF SERIOUS ADVERSE EVENTS (SAE) 
 
An AE or suspected adverse reaction is considered "serious" if, in the view of the investigator, it results in 
any of the following outcomes: death, a life-threatening adverse event, inpatient hospitalization or 
prolongation of existing hospitalization, a persistent or significant physical or mental incapacity including 
worsening depression, increase suicidal thoughts or actions, acting aggressive or violent , or a congenital 
anomaly/birth defect. Important medical events that may not result in death, be life-threatening, or require 
hospitalization may be considered serious when, based upon appropriate medical judgment, they may 
jeopardize the patient or subject and may require medical or surgical intervention to prevent one of the 
outcomes listed in this definition. Examples of such medical events include allergic reactions including 
angioedema of face, tongue, mouth, and bronchospasm requiring intensive treatment in an emergency 
room or at home, or increased seizure frequency from baseline that do not result in inpatient 
hospitalization. 
 
8.1.3 DEFINITION OF UNANTICIPATED PROBLEMS (UP) 
 
Unanticipated problems (UP) per OHRP, are any incident, experience, or outcome that meets all of 
the following criteria:  
 
• Unexpected in terms of nature, severity, or frequency given (a) the research procedures that are 
described in the IRB-approved research protocol and informed consent document; and (b) the 
characteristics of the participant population being studied;  
 
• Related or possibly related to participation in the research (“possibly related” means there is a 
reasonable possibility that the incident, experience, or outcome may have been caused by the 
procedures involved in the research); and  


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• Suggests that the research places participants or others at a greater risk of harm (including physical, 
psychological, economic, or social harm) than was previously known or recognized. This study will 
use the OHRP definition of UP 
 
8.2 
CLASSIFICATION OF AN ADVERSE EVENT 
 
8.2.1 SEVERITY OF EVENT 
 
For AEs not included in the protocol defined grading system, the following guidelines will be used to 
describe severity.  
• 
Mild – Events require minimal or no treatment and do not interfere with the participant’s daily 
activities.  
• 
Moderate – Events result in a low level of inconvenience or concern with the therapeutic 
measures. Moderate events may cause some interference with functioning.  
• 
Severe – Events interrupt a participant’s usual daily activity and may require systemic drug 
therapy or other treatment. Severe events are usually potentially life-threatening or incapacitating.  
 
8.2.2 RELATIONSHIP TO STUDY AGENT 
For all collected AEs, the clinician who examines and evaluates the participant will determine the 
AE’s causality based on temporal relationship and his/her clinical judgment. The degree of certainty 
about causality will be graded using the categories below.  
• 
Definitely Related – There is clear evidence to suggest a causal relationship, and other possible 
contributing factors can be ruled out. The clinical event, including an abnormal laboratory test result, 
occurs in a plausible time relationship to drug administration and cannot be explained by concurrent 
disease or other drugs or chemicals. The response to withdrawal of the drug (dechallenge) should be 
clinically plausible. The event must be pharmacologically or phenomenologically definitive, with use of a 
satisfactory rechallenge procedure if necessary. 
• 
Probably Related – There is evidence to suggest a causal relationship, and the influence of other 
factors is unlikely. The clinical event, including an abnormal laboratory test result, occurs within a 
reasonable time after administration of the drug, is unlikely to be attributed to concurrent disease or other 
drugs or chemicals, and follows a clinically reasonable response on withdrawal (dechallenge). 
Rechallenge information is not required to fulfill this definition.  
• 
Possibly Related – There is some evidence to suggest a causal relationship (e.g., the event 
occurred within a reasonable time after administration of the trial medication). However, other factors 
may have contributed to the event (e.g., the participant’s clinical condition, other concomitant events). 
Although an AE may rate only as “possibly related” soon after discovery, it can be flagged as requiring 
more information and later be upgraded to “probably related” or“definitely related,” as appropriate. 
• 
Unlikely to be related – A clinical event, including an abnormal laboratory test result, 
whosetemporal relationship to drug administration makes a causal relationship improbable (e.g., theevent 
did not occur within a reasonable time after administration of the trial medication) and inwhich other 
drugs or chemicals or underlying disease provides plausible explanations (e.g., theparticipant’s clinical 
condition, other concomitant treatments). 


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• 
Not Related – The AE is completely independent of study drug administration, and/or 
evidenceexists that the event is definitely related to another etiology. There must be an 
alternative,definitive etiology documented by the clinician. 
• 
  
 8.2.3 EXPECTEDNESS  
PI, will be responsible for determining whether an AE is expected or unexpected. An AE will be 
considered unexpected if the nature, severity, or frequency of the event is not consistent with the risk 
information previously described for the study agent. 
 
8.3 
TIME PERIOD AND FREQUENCY FOR EVENT ASSESSMENT AND FOLLOW-
UP 
 
The occurrence of an AE or SAE may come to the attention of study personnel during study visits and 
interviews of a study participant presenting for medical care, or upon review by a study monitor. All 
AEs including local and systemic reactions not meeting the criteria for SAEs will be captured on the 
appropriate RF. Information to be collected includes event description, time of onset, clinician’s 
assessment of severity, relationship to study product (assessed only by those with the training and 
authority to make a diagnosis), and time of resolution/stabilization of the event. All AEs occurring 
while on study must be documented appropriately regardless of relationship. All AEs will be followed 
to adequate resolution.  
Any medical condition that is present at the time that the participant is screened will be considered as 
baseline and not reported as an AE. However, if the study participant’s condition deteriorates at any 
time during the study, it will be recorded as an AE. UPs will be recorded in the data collection system 
throughout the study.  
Changes in the severity of an AE will be documented to allow an assessment of the duration of the event 
at each level of severity to be performed. AEs characterized as intermittent require documentation of 
onset and duration of each episode.  
The PI will record all reportable events with start dates occurring any time after informed consent is 
obtained until 7 days after the last day of study participation. At each study visit/followup phone visit, the 
investigator will inquire about the occurrence of AE/SAEs since the last visit. Events will be followed for 
outcome information until resolution or stabilization. 
 
8.4 
REPORTING PROCEDURES 
 
8.4.1 ADVERSE EVENT REPORTING  
Adverse events that are serious will reported to independent medical examiner and IRB. 
 
8.4.2 SERIOUS ADVERSE EVENT REPORTING  
 
The study clinician will complete a SAE Form within the following timelines:  


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• 
All deaths and immediately life-threatening events, whether related or unrelated, will be recorded 
on the SAE Form and submitted to the independent medical examiner within 24 hours of site awareness. 
See Section 1, Key Roles for contact information.  
• 
Other SAEs regardless of relationship, will be submitted to independent medical examiner within 
72 hours of site awareness.  
 
All SAEs will be followed until satisfactory resolution or until the site investigator deems the event to be 
chronic or the adherence to be stable. Other supporting documentation of the event may be requested by 
the independent medical examiner and should be provided as soon as possible. The principal investigator 
will be responsible for notifying IRB of any unexpected fatal or life-threatening suspected adverse 
reaction as soon as possible but in no case later than 7 calendar days after site awareness. 
 
8.4.3 UNANTICIPATED PROBLEM REPORTING  
 
Incidents or events that meet the OHRP criteria for UPs require the creation and completion of an UP 
report form. The investigator shall report UPs to the IRB and to the IME. The UP report will include 
the following information:  
• 
Protocol identifying information: protocol title and number, PI’s name, and the IRB 
projectnumber; 
• 
A detailed description of the event, incident, experience, or outcome; 
• 
An explanation of the basis for determining that the event, incident, experience, or 
outcomerepresents an UP; 
• 
A description of any changes to the protocol or other corrective actions that have been taken orare 
proposed in response to the UP. 
 
To satisfy the requirement for prompt reporting, UPs will be reported using the following timeline:  
• 
UPs that are lifethreatening or death, will be reported to the IRB and to the IME within 1 day of 
the investigator becoming aware of the event. But other SAEs, will be reported within 3 days of the 
investigator becoming aware of the event. 
• 
Any other UP will be reported to the IME only within 7 days of the investigator becoming aware 
of the problem. 
 
8.4.4 REPORTING OF PREGNANCY  
 
Women with potential for being pregnant will be screened to rule out active pregnancy using standard 
questionnaire and urinary pregnancy test. If pregnancy is reported by the participant while on study 
medicine, the medicine will be discontinued and she shall be referred for high risk obstetric clinic. 
 
Each pregnancy must be reported by the Investigator to the IME on the initial pregnancy report form 
within 30 days after becoming aware of the pregnancy. The Investigator must follow-up and 
document the course and the outcome of all pregnancies even if the subject was withdrawn from the 
clinical study or if the clinical study has finished.  


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All outcomes of pregnancy must be reported by the Investigator to the Sponsor on the pregnancy 
outcome report form within 30 days after he/she has gained knowledge of the normal delivery or 
elective abortion.  
 
8.5 
STUDY HALTING RULES  
 
Administration of study agent will be halted when three grade 3 (severe) AEs determined to be “probably 
related” are reported to the IME. The IME will notify the study sponsor and investigators immediately 
when the third grade 3 event is reported and enrollment screens will stop accepting new study 
participants. The study sponsor will provide the IME with AE listing reports within 24 hours. The IME 
will provide recommendations for proceeding with the study to the study sponsor. The study sponsor may 
inform the FDA of the temporary halt and the disposition of the study. 
 
8.6 
SAFETY OVERSIGHT 
 
Safety oversight will be under the direction of an independent medical examiner (IME). The IME will 
assess safety and efficacy data on each arm of the study. The IME will provide its input to IRB, sponsor 
and  principal investigator 
 
9 
CLINICAL MONITORING 
NA 
10 
STATISTICAL CONSIDERATIONS  
 
10.1 
STATISTICAL AND ANALYTICAL PLANS 
This study is designed as a pilot to obtain estimates to be used in future studies. We will report the 
descriptive statistics for both treatment groups for each endpoint. 
 
10.2 
STATISTICAL HYPOTHESES 
No statistical hypothesis  
10.3 
ANALYSIS DATASETS 
Per protocol analysis 
10.4 
DESCRIPTION OF STATISTICAL METHODS 
 
10.4.1 GENERAL APPROACH 
 
Categorical data descriptive statistics will be presented as percentages, while continuous data descriptive 
statistics will be presented with the mean and standard deviation. Due to our goal of establishing 
estimates of centrality and spread for various measures to be used in future studies, no inferential tests 
will take place in this study. 
 
 


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10.4.2 ANALYSIS OF THE PRIMARY ENDPOINT(S) 
 
Enrollment rate: 
This will be assessed every 3 months until the end of the enrollment period.  It will be reported as number 
of participants enrolled per 3 months. It will also be reported as percentage of  all the patients screened. 
 
Retention rate: 
This will be assessed every 3 months. It will be reported as number of participants completed the study 
per protocol  per 3 months. It will also be reported as percentage of  all the patients screened. 
 
10.4.3 ANALYSIS OF THE SECONDARY ENDPOINT(S) 
 
Observations with missing data are dropped from those analyses involving data variable. 
 
Change in mood score using PHQ-9 score 
This will be analyzed as the difference in PHQ-9 scores from baseline to final measurement between drug 
and placebo. The mean and standard deviation estimates of the differences will be provided. 
 
Change in minute ventilation during HCVR testing: 
This will be analyzed as the difference in minute ventilation during HCVR testing from baseline to final 
measurement between drug and placebo. The mean and standard deviation estimates of the differences 
will be provided. 
 
Change in slope of HCVR 
This will be analyzed as the difference in slope of HCVR between drug and placebo. Using a linear mixed 
model, we will include a predictor that is the interaction between HCVR slope and the treatment group. 
The mean and standard deviation estimates of the differences will be provided. 
 
Difference in duration of abnormal breathing during periictal period: 
Mean duration of abnormal breathing during perictal periods between drug and placebo will be compared. 
The mean and standard deviation estimates of the differences will be provided. 
 
Difference in oxygen saturation during periictal period 
Mean drop in oxygen saturation during perictal period between drug and placebo will be compared. The 
mean and standard deviation estimates of the differences will be provided. 
 
Difference in CO2 level in periictal period 
Mean change in CO2 level in periictal period compared to pre seizure baseline will be compared between 
drug and placebo. The mean and standard deviation estimates of the differences will be provided. 
 
All the secondary outcome measures will be estimated using generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs), 
specifying an identity link for normally distributed data and the log link for right-skewed data. 
 
Since we are interested in obtaining estimates for future studies, we will not run non-parametric analyses, 
which only provide p-values. 


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Assessment of adverse events 
All the adverse events will be recorded. Frequency of each adverse events will be compared between the 
two groups and tested using one tail t-test with type I error at 0.025 
 
 
10.4.4 SAFETY ANALYSES 
 
All the adverse events will be recorded. Severity and relationship to intervention will be determined as 
described in section 8.  Frequency of each adverse events will be compared between the two groups and 
tested using one tail t-test with type I error at 0.025. 
 
Adverse events leading to premature discontinuation from the study drug and serious treatment-emergent 
AEs should be presented either in a table.  
 
10.4.5 ADHERENCE AND RETENTION ANALYSES 
 
Adherence to the randomized intervention will be assessed by telephone interview and in person 
interview during follow up.  
 
10.4.6  BASELINE DESCRIPTIVE STATISTICS 
 
We plan to compare the baseline descriptive statistics between the treatment and control groups and 
establish if there is a significant difference of any variables. For continuous variables, a two sample t-test 
will be used to compare data that appear to be normally distributed (Wilcoxon Rank Sum test for skewed 
data). For categorical data, Pearson’s Chi-square test of independence will be used.  
 
10.4.7 PLANNED INTERIM ANALYSES  
None 
 
10.4.7.1 
SAFETY REVIEW 
NO statistical plan for safety review. 
 
10.4.7.2 
EFFICACY REVIEW 
Not applicable 
10.4.8 ADDITIONAL SUB-GROUP ANALYSES 
No additional sub-group analyses are needed for this pilot study. 
 
10.4.9 MULTIPLE COMPARISON/MULTIPLICITY 
NA 
10.4.10 
TABULATION OF INDIVIDUAL RESPONSE DATA 
 
NA 


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10.4.11 
EXPLORATORY ANALYSES 
 
Change in VRTCO2 
Mean change VRTCO2 between drug and placebo will be compared. The mean and standard deviation 
estimates of the differences will be provided. 
 
Change in time to VRTCO2 
Mean change in time to VRTCO2 between drug and placebo will be compared. The mean and standard 
deviation estimates of the differences will be provided. 
 
Change in time to end of HCVR testing 
Mean change in time to end of HCVR testing will be compared between drug and placebo. The mean and 
standard deviation estimates of the differences will be provided. 
 
10.5 
SAMPLE SIZE 
No formal sample size calculation is performed because the primary puporse of the project is assess 
feasibility. 
 
10.6 
MEASURES TO MINIMIZE BIAS 
 
10.6.1 ENROLLMENT/ RANDOMIZATION/ MASKING PROCEDURES 
Subjects will be screened and enrolled in two locations, neurology clinic and EMU.  A total of 20 subject 
will be enrolled in each location and they will be randomized to drug vs placebo group equally (1:1) using 
computer generated random numbers. The assignment for each subject will be kept in a sealed envelope 
and will be provided to investigational drug pharmacy at the University of Iowa. 
The participants as well as the investigators (except one) will be blinded to the drug the participant is 
receiving. Bottles of the study drug will be labelled with the name of study, drug A or drug B, and 
instruction of titration plan. 
 
10.6.2 EVALUATION OF SUCCESS OF BLINDING  
 
NA 
 
10.6.3 BREAKING THE STUDY BLIND/PARTICIPANT CODE 
 
The blinding would be broken in the circumstance of severe adverse events. The treating physicians will 
be unblinded.  Both intentional and unintentional unblinding will be reported to IME. 
 
11 
SOURCE DOCUMENTS AND ACCESS TO SOURCE DATA/DOCUMENTS 
 
The Investigator or designee will prepare and maintain adequate and accurate study documents (medical 
records, video EEG, study questionnaires, HCVR data, AE and concomitant medication reporting, raw 


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data collection forms, etc.) designed to record all observations and other pertinent data for each subject 
receiving investigational product.  
 
The source documents will be maintained and stored in password protected network drives. The 
Investigator will allow Sponsor representatives, independent medical examiner (IME), and the IRB to 
have direct access to all documents pertaining to the study. 
 
12 
ETHICS/PROTECTION OF HUMAN SUBJECTS  
 
12.1 
ETHICAL STANDARD  
 
The investigator will ensure that this study is conducted in full conformity with Regulations for the 
Protection of Human Subjects of Research codified in 45 CFR Part 46, 21 CFR Part 50, 21 CFR Part 56, 
and/or the ICH E6. 
 
12.2 
INSTITUTIONAL REVIEW BOARD  
 
The protocol, informed consent form(s), recruitment materials, and all participant materials will be 
submitted to the IRB for review and approval. Approval of both the protocol and the consent form must 
be obtained before any participant is enrolled. Any amendment to the protocol will require review and 
approval by the IRB before the changes are implemented to the study. All changes to the consent form 
will be IRB approved; a determination will be made regarding whether previously consented participants 
need to be re-consented. 
 
12.3 
INFORMED CONSENT PROCESS  
 
13.3.1 CONSENT/ASSENT AND OTHER INFORMATIONAL DOCUMENTS PROVIDED 
TO PARTICIPANTS 
 
 
Consent forms describing in detail the study agent, study procedures, and risks are given to the participant 
and written documentation of informed consent is required prior to starting any procedure/administering 
study product.  
 
Once the participant has signed the consent form, he/she will be asked to fill out “Iowa SSRI screening 
questionnaire, Iowa SSRI study questionnaire and PHQ-9 questionnaire”, as approved by IRB. 
 
12.3.2 CONSENT PROCEDURES AND DOCUMENTATION 
Informed consent is a process that is initiated prior to the individual’s agreeing to participate in the study 
and continues throughout the individual’s study participation. Extensive discussion of risks and possible 
benefits of participation will be provided to the participants and their families. Consent forms will be 
IRB-approved and the participant will be asked to read and review the document. The investigator and or 
a designee will explain the research study to the participant and answer any questions that may arise. All 


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participants will receive a verbal explanation in terms suited to their comprehension of the purposes, 
procedures, and potential risks of the study and of their rights as research participants. Participants will 
have the opportunity to carefully review the written consent form and ask questions prior to signing. The 
participants should have the opportunity to discuss the study with their surrogates or think about it prior to 
agreeing to participate. The participant will sign the informed consent document prior to any procedures 
being done specifically for the study. The participants may withdraw consent at any time throughout the 
course of the trial. A copy of the informed consent document will be given to the participants for their 
records. The rights and welfare of the participants will be protected by emphasizing to them that the 
quality of their medical care will not be adversely affected if they decline to participate in this study.  
 
A record of consent will be filled out and scanned on the electronic health record of the subject.  
 
If a protocol amendment is required, the informed consent document and other study related 
questionnaires may need to be revised to reflect the changes to the protocol. If the informed consent & 
other study related questionnaires/documents is revised, it must be reviewed and approved by the 
responsible IRB, and signed by all subjects subsequently enrolled in the clinical study as well as those 
currently enrolled in the clinical study. 
 
12.4 
PARTICIPANT AND DATA CONFIDENTIALITY  
 
Participant confidentiality is strictly held in trust by the participating investigators, their staff, and the 
sponsor(s) and their agents. This confidentiality is extended to cover testing of biological samples and 
genetic tests in addition to the clinical information relating to participants. Therefore, the study protocol, 
documentation, data, and all other information generated will be held in strict confidence. No information 
concerning the study or the data will be released to any unauthorized third party without prior written 
approval of the sponsor. 
 
IRB or federal regulatory body may inspect all documents and records required to be maintained by the 
investigator, including but not limited to, medical records (office, clinic, or hospital) and pharmacy 
records for the participants in this study. The clinical study site will permit access to such records.  
The study participant’s contact information will be securely stored at each clinical site for internal use 
during the study. At the end of the study, all records will continue to be kept in a secure location for as 
long a period as dictated by IRB. 
 
 
13 
DATA HANDLING AND RECORD KEEPING  
 
13.1 
DATA COLLECTION AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES  
 
All source documents should be completed in a neat, legible manner to ensure accurate interpretation of 
data.  
 
Clinical data will be entered directly from the source documents. Clinical data (including AEs, 
concomitant medications, and expected adverse reactions data) and clinical laboratory data will be entered 


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into microsoft excel database and stored in a network drive. The network drive is secured with password 
protection.  
 
 
13.2 
STUDY RECORDS RETENTION  
 
Study documents will be retained for a minimum of 2 years after last patient is enrolled. No records will 
be destroyed without the written consent of the sponsor, if applicable. It is the responsibility of the 
sponsor to inform the investigator when these documents no longer need to be retained. 
 
13.3 
PROTOCOL DEVIATIONS  
 
Any deviation will be informed to IRB and appropriate corrective actions will be implemented within 3 
days of after becoming aware of the deviation. 
 
13.4 
PUBLICATION AND DATA SHARING POLICY 
By signing the clinical study protocol, the Investigator agrees with the use of results of the clinical study 
for the purposes of national and international registration, publication and information for medical and 
pharmaceutical professionals. If necessary, the competent authorities will be notified of the Investigator‟s 
name, address, qualifications and extent of involvement.  
 
An Investigator shall not publish any data (poster, abstract, paper, etc.) without having consulted with the 
Sponsor in advance.