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Lamotrigine in absence and primary generalized epilepsies
1Department of Pediatrics, American University of Beirut, Lebanon.
Journal of Child Neurology
|January 16, 1998
Summary
Lamotrigine shows effectiveness for various generalized seizures, including absence and atonic types, in both children and adults. This epilepsy medication offers significant seizure reduction and is a promising treatment option.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Epileptology
Background:
- Lamotrigine is approved for partial seizures in patients over 12.
- Growing evidence suggests efficacy in generalized seizures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate lamotrigine's effectiveness in treating generalized seizures.
- To assess response rates across different generalized seizure types and epilepsy syndromes.
Main Methods:
- Review of open-label and single-blind studies using lamotrigine as add-on therapy.
- Analysis of ongoing controlled studies in newly diagnosed and refractory patients.
- Examination of data from ambulatory EEG recordings.
Main Results:
- Lamotrigine improved typical/atypical absence, atonic, generalized tonic-clonic, myoclonic, and clonic seizures.
- Response rates ranged from 30-56%, with 0-33% achieving seizure freedom.
- Best responses observed in absence and atonic seizures, and in Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.
Conclusions:
- Lamotrigine is effective as add-on therapy for refractory generalized seizures.
- It is a promising treatment for absence and primary generalized seizures in all age groups.
- Dosing is similar to partial seizures, with higher mg/kg doses for children.