The use of lamotrigine in juvenile myoclonic epilepsy

Lamotrigine (LTG) was used in 12 patients with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME) who either had sodium valproate (VPA) side effects or did not wish to take VPA. Five patients are now fully controlled on LTG monotherapy. Side-effects were corrected by VPA withdrawal or reduction except for severe weight gain. In three patients it was not possible to withdraw VPA due to the re-emergence of myoclonus, suggesting LTG-VPA synergism. Two patients had successful pregnancies whilst taking LTG. Lamotrigine is a useful alternative in the management of JME.