The primary goal of this trial is to measure the effect of retigabine on upper and lower motor neuron physiology in ALS subjects.
6 clinic visits for assessment and physiological studies. Duration: 4 week does escalation, 4 weeks at goal dose, 2 week taper. Blood draws for safety testing and repository, and for research purposes including creation of stem cells and motor neurons. 4th visit (week 6) will include lumbar puncture for drug testing and repository. Visual, physical, and neurological exams during study. Questionnaires including ALS Functional Rating Scale (Revised). Phone calls between visits.
18 years and older, all genders, not accepting healthy volunteers. Possible, probable, or definite ALS diagnosis. Must be able to swallow for duration of study.