Effects of lamotrigine on nocturnal sleep, daytime somnolence and cognitive functions in focal epilepsy

Objectives - The aim of our study was to evaluate possible changes in noctu rnal sleep, daytime somnolence and cognitive functions induced by add-on th erapy with lamotrigine (LTG). Material and methods Thirteen patients affect ed by seizures resistant to common antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) underwent noc turnal polysomnographic monitorings, daytime somnolence evaluations and a n europsychological battery before and after 3 months of treatment with LTG. Results - With LTG therapy we observed a significant increase in REM sleep and a significant reduction in the number of entries into REM and stage shi fts. No significant correlation was observed between the decrease in noctur nal epileptiform activity and the increase in REM sleep. Other sleep parame ters were unmodified. No significant changes were observed in daytime somno lence and in cognitive performances. Conclusion - LTG may produce positive effects on epileptic seizures and interictal abnormalities without interfer ing negatively on REM sleep, with improvement of sleep stability and withou t changes in daytime somnolence and neuropsychological performances. For th ese reasons it could be an important drug for improving epileptic patients' quality of life.