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Published on: May 16, 2019
Lamotrigine extended-release as adjunctive therapy for partial seizures
D K Naritoku1, C R Warnock, J A Messenheimer
1Department of Neurology, Southern Illinois University, PO Box 19637, Springfield, IL 62794-9637, USA. dnaritoku@siumed.edu
Adjunctive lamotrigine extended-release (XR) significantly reduced partial seizure frequency in epilepsy patients. This new once-daily formulation was well-tolerated and effective, supporting its clinical use.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Epileptology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures.
- Partial seizures are a common type of epilepsy requiring effective adjunctive treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the efficacy and tolerability of once-daily lamotrigine extended-release (XR) as adjunctive therapy for partial seizures.
- To evaluate the safety profile of lamotrigine XR in epilepsy patients.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind, parallel-group trial randomized patients over 12 years old with partial seizures to receive adjunctive lamotrigine XR or placebo.
- The study included a baseline phase, a 7-week escalation phase, and a 12-week maintenance phase.
Main Results:
- Lamotrigine XR demonstrated a significantly greater median percent reduction in weekly partial seizure frequency compared to placebo (46.6% vs 24.5%, p=0.0001).
- A higher percentage of patients on lamotrigine XR achieved at least a 50% seizure reduction (44.0% vs 20.8%, p=0.0002).
- Common adverse events included headache and dizziness, with no significant differences in health outcomes between groups.
Conclusions:
- Once-daily adjunctive lamotrigine XR effectively reduces partial seizure frequency in epilepsy patients.
- The extended-release formulation of lamotrigine was well-tolerated, supporting its clinical utility.
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