A randomized open-label study of gabapentin and lamotrigine in adults withlearning disability and resistant epilepsy

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of gabapentin in patients with learning disabilities and resistant epilepsy, comparing t he effects of gabapentin with lamotrigine on efficacy, behaviour and mood. An open-label, randomized, parallel group, multicentre add-on study compari ng gabapentin with lamotrigine in 109 patients with drug-resistant localiza tion-related epilepsy and learning disabilities was conducted: 39 patients were randomized to gabapentin and 44 to lamotrigine. The study population h ad a range of learning disabilities and severe partial epilepsy. The percentage of patients achieving a greater than or equal to 50% reducti on in seizure frequency on gabapentin was 50%, (mean reduction in seizures was 51%). Compared to 48.6% of lamotrigine patients, no statistically signi ficant treatment differences could be identified. The safely profile of bot h drugs was consistent with that seen in previous clinical trials. Carerrat ed visual analogue scales detected significant improvements (P < 0.05) for the gabapentin-treated patients in seizure severity, attention, general hea lth and sleeping pattern, while for lamotrigine seizure severity improved s ignificantly. For learning disabled patients with resistant epilepsy, gabapentin and lamo trigine provide safe and effective treatment, with positive benefits on beh aviour. (C) 2001 BEA Trading Ltd.