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Adverse reactions of Topiramate and Lamotrigine in children

Tamar Shechter1, Zamir Shorer, Uri Kramer

  • 1Pharmacy Services, Soroka Medical Center, Be'er Sheva, Israel. tamars@clalit.org.il

Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety
|November 2, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Lamotrigine is associated with fewer adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in children than Topiramate, though both are generally well-tolerated. The drugs differ in their central nervous system side effect profiles.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Pharmacovigilance
  • Clinical Pharmacology

Background:

  • Topiramate and Lamotrigine are commonly prescribed antiepileptic drugs.
  • Understanding their adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in pediatric populations is crucial for safe and effective treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and compare the adverse drug reactions (ADRs) of Topiramate and Lamotrigine in children in Israel.
  • To assess the side effect profile and tolerability of these two antiepileptic drugs in pediatric patients.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study was conducted involving four pediatric neurologists from three tertiary medical centers in Israel.
  • Data were collected on children aged 0–18 years treated with Topiramate and/or Lamotrigine, documenting all observed ADRs and their characteristics.

Main Results:

  • Reports included 45 children on Topiramate and 65 on Lamotrigine.
  • Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) were reported in 50% of children on Topiramate versus 33% on Lamotrigine (p=0.03).
  • Most ADRs were mild to moderate, primarily affecting the central nervous system; specific side effects like appetite loss and drowsiness were noted with Topiramate, while rash and headaches were associated with Lamotrigine.

Conclusions:

  • Lamotrigine exhibits a lower frequency of ADRs compared to Topiramate in pediatric patients.
  • Both Topiramate and Lamotrigine are generally well-tolerated, but they possess distinct central nervous system side effect profiles.
Abstract

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