Adjunctive lamotrigine XR for primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures in a randomized, placebo-controlled study

Efficacy and tolerability of once-daily adjunctive lamotrigine extended-release (XR) for primary generalized tonic-clonic (PGTC) seizures in epilepsy were evaluated. Patients (n = 153)>= 13 years old diagnosed with epilepsy with PGTC seizures were randomized to once-daily adjunctive lamotrigine XR or placebo in a double-blind, parallel-group trial comprising a baseline phase, a 7-week double-blind escalation phase, and a 12-week double-blind maintenance phase. Lamotrigine XR was more effective than placebo with respect to median percentage reduction from baseline in weekly PGTC seizure frequency (primary endpoint-19-week treatment phase: 75.4% vs 32.1%, P<0.0001; escalation phase: 61.9% vs 30.6%, P=0.0016; maintenance phase: 89.7% vs 33.3%, P<0.0001). Lamotrigine XR was more effective than placebo with respect to the percentage of patients with >= 50% reduction in PGTC seizure frequency. Significant separation from placebo for >= 50% reduction in PGTC seizures was observed beginning on treatment day 8. The most common adverse event was headache (lamotrigine XR 14%, placebo 16%). (C) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.