A modified release pharmaceutical formulation includes about 30-70% N-(2-amino-4-(fluorobenzylamino)-phenyl)carbamic acid ethyl ester (retigabine), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or hydrate thereof, about 5-30% of a drug delivery matrix including hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), and an enteric polymer. The pharmaceutical formulation produces a sustained plasma concentration of retigabine following administration to a subject for 4-20 hours longer than the time required for in vitro release of 80% of retigabine. The plasma concentration vs. time profile of this formulation is substantially flat over an extended period lasting for about 4 hours to about 36 hours. A method of treating a disorder characterized by nervous system hyperexcitability includes administering to a subject an effective amount of these pharmaceutical formulations.