Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 19, 2026
07:01
Electrophoretic Delivery of γ-aminobutyric Acid GABA into Epileptic Focus Prevents Seizures in Mice
Published on: May 16, 2019
9.7K
Lamotrigine add-on for drug-resistant partial epilepsy
Sridharan Ramaratnam1, Mariangela Panebianco, Anthony G Marson
1Department of Neurology, The Nerve Centre, 5/1 Rajachar Street, T Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, 600017.
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|June 23, 2016
Summary
Lamotrigine effectively reduces seizure frequency in patients with refractory partial epilepsy when used as an add-on treatment. While generally well-tolerated, long-term effects and comparisons with other drugs require further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Trials
Background:
- Epilepsy affects 0.5-1% of the population, with nearly 30% experiencing drug-resistant epilepsy.
- Lamotrigine is a newer antiepileptic drug used as an add-on treatment.
- This systematic review evaluates lamotrigine's efficacy and tolerability in refractory partial epilepsy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess lamotrigine's effects on seizure frequency compared to placebo.
- To evaluate lamotrigine's adverse effect profile.
- To determine impacts on cognition and quality of life in refractory partial epilepsy.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials.
- Searched Cochrane Epilepsy Group Specialized Register, CENTRAL, and MEDLINE up to May 2015.
- Included 14 studies with 1958 participants (infants, children, adults).
Main Results:
- Lamotrigine significantly reduced seizure frequency (RR 1.80, 95% CI 1.45-2.23).
- Treatment withdrawal rates were similar to placebo (RR 1.11, 95% CI 0.90-1.36).
- Adverse events associated with lamotrigine included ataxia, dizziness, diplopia, and nausea.
Conclusions:
- Lamotrigine is effective for reducing seizure frequency in partial epilepsy.
- The drug appears fairly well-tolerated in the short term.
- Further research is needed for long-term effects and comparisons with other add-on therapies.
Related Concept Videos
01:18Antiepileptic Drugs: GABAergic Pathway Potentiators
1.6K
γ-aminobutyric acid or GABA, plays a pivotal role as an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. GABA pathway potentiators, also known as GABAergic drugs, are a class of pharmaceutical agents designed to enhance the functioning of the GABAergic system. These medications primarily treat epilepsy, a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures.
The key GABA pathway potentiators used in epilepsy management are as follows.
Benzodiazepines are a well-known class of drugs used for...
The key GABA pathway potentiators used in epilepsy management are as follows.
Benzodiazepines are a well-known class of drugs used for...
1.6K
01:14Antiepileptic Drugs: Glutamate Antagonists
1.2K
Glutamate is a fundamental neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, playing a vital role in neuronal communication and various cognitive processes. Glutamate stands as the principal excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain. Its presence is crucial for the communication between neurons, underpinning essential processes such as synaptic transmission, neuronal excitability, and plasticity. These functions are vital for higher-order cognitive processes, including learning and memory. The...
1.2K
01:20Antiepileptic Drugs: Potassium Channel Activators
904
Ezocgabine or retigabine, an antiepileptic drug of remarkable efficacy, has revolutionized the management of seizures. It is a potassium channel activator, explicitly targeting the family of Q subtype potassium channels. It enhances the transmembrane potassium currents, regulating neuronal excitability. This action stabilizes the resting membrane potential, a pivotal factor in mitigating the hyperexcitability that characterizes epilepsy.
Ezogabine has gained approval as an adjunctive treatment...
Ezogabine has gained approval as an adjunctive treatment...
904
01:20Antiepileptic Drugs: Modulators of Neurotransmitter Release Mediated by SV2A Protein
1.1K
Antiepileptic drugs, such as levetiracetam (Keppra) and brivaracetam (Briviact), have emerged as crucial tools in managing epilepsy. These medications exert their therapeutic effects by targeting the synaptic vesicle protein SV2A, a transmembrane glycoprotein primarily found in the brain.
SV2A is a transmembrane glycoprotein located predominantly in the brain, modulating the release of neurotransmitters for neuronal communication. Both levetiracetam and brivaracetam exhibit a high affinity for...
SV2A is a transmembrane glycoprotein located predominantly in the brain, modulating the release of neurotransmitters for neuronal communication. Both levetiracetam and brivaracetam exhibit a high affinity for...
1.1K
01:08Antiepileptic Drugs: Sodium Channel Blockers
2.2K
Antiepileptic drugs are specialized medications that prevent seizures in individuals diagnosed with epilepsy. These drugs primarily function by blocking the movement of sodium ions through channels in the neuronal membrane, inhibiting the repetitive firing of action potentials often associated with seizures.
Sodium channel blockers modulate ion channels, particularly voltage-gated sodium channels. They block only sodium ion movement.
Among the most commonly prescribed antiepileptic drugs are...
Sodium channel blockers modulate ion channels, particularly voltage-gated sodium channels. They block only sodium ion movement.
Among the most commonly prescribed antiepileptic drugs are...
2.2K
01:24Epilepsy and Seizures: Overview
1.6K
Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disease marked by recurrent, unpredictable seizures. These seizures are caused by abnormal electrical discharges in the brain, leading to behavior, sensation, or consciousness alterations. They can also cause transient impairment of awareness, interfering with daily activities.
Various factors can trigger epilepsy, including genetic factors, brain damage, metabolic causes, and unknown etiology. Diagnosis of epilepsy involves electroencephalography (EEG), which...
Various factors can trigger epilepsy, including genetic factors, brain damage, metabolic causes, and unknown etiology. Diagnosis of epilepsy involves electroencephalography (EEG), which...
1.6K