Lamotrigine induced priapism in children: case analysis and literature review

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Lamotrigine is a widely used antiepileptic drug for various seizure types in patients over two years old.
• While generally safe, adverse reactions can occur, necessitating ongoing safety surveillance.
• Previous research suggests lamotrigine may improve sexual function in adult males, contrasting with this reported side effect.

Approach:

• This study presents a case report of a pediatric male patient with refractory epilepsy and pneumonia.
• The patient experienced priapism (persistent penile erection) after an increased dosage of lamotrigine.
• The adverse event was managed through lamotrigine withdrawal and sedation.

Key Points:

• A rare case of drug-induced priapism associated with lamotrigine in a pediatric patient is described.
• The patient had a history of long-term use of various antiepileptic drugs.
• Priapism resolved following discontinuation of lamotrigine and administration of sedation.

Conclusions:

• Lamotrigine can be associated with rare adverse effects, including priapism, in pediatric populations.
• The exact mechanism underlying lamotrigine-induced priapism requires further investigation.
• This case highlights the importance of considering rare side effects in clinical practice, especially with polypharmacy.