Lamotrigine and epilepsy in the elderly: observational study of low-dose monotherapy

Int J Clin Pract. 2005 Jun;59(6):651-4. doi: 10.1111/j.1742-1241.2005.00549.x.

Abstract

A one-year prospective, observational study was conducted in 222 elderly patients (>65 years old) with epilepsy. Patients received 25 mg/day lamotrigine for the first 15 days. The dose was then increased to 50 mg/day; further increases were allowed if necessary. Vascular epilepsy was the most frequent diagnosis (56% of patients), and concomitant medication was required by 75% of patients. The mean dose was 72.17 mg/day in the 132 patients who completed the study; the initial dose of 50 mg/day was maintained in 52% of these patients. There was a marked reduction in the number of seizures with 89% of the patients who completed the study continuing to be seizure-free after 1 year. Tolerability was generally good with 15 adverse events in nine patients. Only two patients developed a rash. In conclusion, low-dose lamotrigine is an effective and well tolerated therapy for the control of epilepsy in elderly patients.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Anticonvulsants / administration & dosage*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Epilepsy / drug therapy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lamotrigine
  • Male
  • Prospective Studies
  • Triazines / administration & dosage*

Substances

  • Anticonvulsants
  • Triazines
  • Lamotrigine