The Efficacy of Lamotrigine and Levetiracetam Therapy on Serum Lipid Profile in Epilepsy Patients

Objectives: We aimed to investigate the efficacy of two new generation antiepileptics, lamotrigine (LTG) and levetiracetam (LEV), on serum lipid levels, since they are reported to be as effective as classical antiepileptics but with fewer side effects. Methods: We analyzed the files of all epileptic patients who were registered at Inonu University Faculty of Medicine, Turgut Ozal Medical Center, Neurology Department between April 2009 - May 2011 retrospectively. Patients treated with LTG and LEV monotherapy were found and total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) were measured. The patients' data were compared with a control group. Results: Twenty-one patients treated with LTG and 20 patients treated with LEV were included in this study. TC, triglycerides, LDL, VLDL, and HDL values were compared with 21 healthy control subjects. TC, triglycerides, LDL, VLDL, and HDL values showed no statistically significant differences between groups. Conclusion: Neither LEV nor LTG, which are new generation antiepileptics, affected blood lipid levels. We consider that they are safe to use in patients, especially those with atherosclerosis risk.