Double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study of lamotrigine in treatment-resistant generalised epilepsy

Abstract

Purpose: Lamotrigine (LTG) is recognised as effective add-on therapy for focal epilepsies, but this is the first double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study in treatment-resistant generalised epilepsy. Methods: The study consisted of 2 x 8-week treatment periods followed by a 4-week washout period. Patients received doses of either 75 or 150 mg daily, depending on their concomitant antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). Long-term continuation was offered at the end of the study with open-label LTG. Results: Five centres in Australia recruited 26 patients who were having absence, myoclonic, or generalized tonic-clonic seizures or a combination of these. Twenty-two patients completed the study. The..