LAMOTRIGINE FOR THE TREATMENT OF EPILEPSY IN CHILDHOOD

Objective: In this multicenter study, the efficacy and tolerability of lamotrigine were assessed in 285 children less than 13 years of age, recruited from 37 centers in 11 countries. Methods: Pooled data from f ive open add-on studies have been analyzed. All the children had treat ment- resistant epilepsy and most had two or more seizure types. Seizu re frequency and global evaluation were assessed at the end of four su ccessive 12-week periods of therapy. Results: Seizure frequency was re duced by 50% or more in one third of the patients. Lamotrigine was eff ective in all seizure types examined, particularly for typical and aty pical absence seizures. Atonic seizures also responded well. Improveme nt was well maintained during the treatment period. The maintenance do se had to be adjusted according to concomitant medication; dose ranges were 1 to 5 mg/kg per day for children taking valproate and 5 to 15 m g/kg per day for those not taking valproate, The commonest reported ad verse experiences were somnolence, rash, vomiting, and seizure exacerb ations. Adverse experiences led to withdrawal of treatment from 36 pat ients (12.6%). Conclusions: These results indicate that lamotrigine is well tolerated and is effective for a broad range of seizure types, e specially absence seizures and atonic seizures.