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Lamotrigine add-on for drug-resistant partial epilepsy
S Ramaratnam1, A G Marson, G A Baker
1Department of Neurology, Apollo Hospitals, 21 Greams Lane, Off Greams Road, Madras, Tamil Nadu, India, 600006. rsridharan@vsnl.com
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|July 25, 2000
Summary
Lamotrigine is an effective add-on treatment for drug-resistant partial epilepsy, significantly reducing seizure frequency. However, side effects like ataxia and dizziness are common, and more research is needed on its long-term effects.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Epilepsy affects 0.5-1% of the population, with nearly 30% of patients exhibiting drug resistance.
- Lamotrigine represents a newer antiepileptic drug option.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate lamotrigine's efficacy and safety as an add-on therapy for drug-resistant partial epilepsy.
- To assess effects on seizure frequency, side effects, cognition, and quality of life.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of randomized placebo-controlled trials.
- Searched Cochrane Epilepsy Group trials register, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, and MEDLINE.
- Included 1243 patients (children and adults) across parallel and cross-over studies.
Main Results:
- Lamotrigine significantly reduced seizure frequency by over 50% compared to placebo (OR 2.71).
- Treatment withdrawal rates were similar between lamotrigine and placebo (OR 1.12).
- Significantly associated side effects included ataxia, dizziness, nausea, and diplopia.
Conclusions:
- Lamotrigine add-on therapy is effective for reducing seizure frequency in drug-resistant partial epilepsy.
- Further trials are necessary to determine long-term effects and compare lamotrigine with other add-on antiepileptic drugs.