Lamotrigine monotherapy in the treatment of epilepsies - A brief review and practical recommendations

Lamotrigine (Lamictal(R)) has become a first-line antiepileptic drug for the treatment of partial epilepsies based on a number of positive comparative trials and widespread clinical observations. It can favourably replace older antiepileptic drugs because it is similarly effective while being less sedative. Substitution of older antiepileptic drugs through a conversion to lamotrigine is advantageous for many patients with side effects or insufficient seizure control. Absence seizures can effectively be treated with lamotrigine. A stable body weight during lamotrigine treatment and its antidepressant effects are welcome. Fewer hypersensitivity reactions and the absence of drug interactions make single drug treatment with lamotrigine better tolerated and thus preferable over combination therapy.