The efficacy of lamotrigine on seizure control in 34 children, adolescents and young adults with intellectual and physical disability

This study reports the use of lamotrigine, largely as add-on therapy, in 34 children, adolescents and adults with brain damage and resistant seizures. Seventy-four percent of the patients showed a greater than 50% improvement in seizure control with 35% becoming seizure free. This improvement in seizure control was associated with an enhanced quality of life in 65% of the patients as assessed by improved alertness, mobility, speech and independence. It was possible to reduce 36% of the pre-existing antiepileptic drugs and the side effect profile of lamotrigine was very good. It is proposed that lamotrigine may be a particularly useful antiepileptic drug in this particular group of patients.