Cognitive effects of lamotrigine as first-line add-on in patients with localization-related (partial) epilepsy

The objective of this study is to explore clinically relevant central cognitive side effects of lamotrigine (LMT) in patients with localization-related (partial) epilepsy. Attentional processes, short-term memory, and speed factors (motor and mental speed) were investigated in an open-label first-line add-on clinical nonrandomized study with carbamazepine (Tegretol-CR) as baseline medication. Twenty-five patients were assessed at baseline (monotherapy carbamazepine) and after 5 months of add-on treatment with lamotrigine. During this 5 month period, the baseline medication was unchanged. Evidence supported the hypothesis that the cognitive profile of lamotrigine is similar to that of carbamazepine. None of the test scores showed a statistically significant decrease after adding lamotrigine, and most of the changes were in the positive direction. The most marked change was that patients showed fewer complaints after 5 months of add-on treatment with lamotrigine. (C) 1997 by Elsevier Science Inc.