A Cochrane review [Abstract] 1 included 4 parallel ad-on studies, one parallel add-on study with responder enriched design in infants and 8 cross-over studies with a total of 1524 patients (38 infants, 199 children and 1287 adults). The patients typically had at least 3 to 4 partial seizures a month, despite a stable antiepileptic drug (AED) regime (two or three AEDs appropriate for the type of epilepsy and given in adequate doses). A range of doses varied between 75 mg to 400 mg per day (median between 200 mg to 400 mg/day). The length of treatment period varied from 8 to 24 weeks.The overall Peto´s OR for 50% reduction in seizure frequency was 2.51 (95% CI 1.86 to 3.4). The overall OR for treatment withdrawal (for any reason) is 1.13 (95% CI 0.83 to 1.54). Ataxia, dizziness, nausea, somnolence and diplopia were significantly associated with lamotrigine therapy. The limited data available preclude any conclusions about effects on cognition and quality of life, though there may be minor benefits in affect balance (happiness) and mastery.
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