[Exacerbation of tonicoclonic seizures in a juvenile myoclonic epileptic taking lamotrigine]

Rev Neurol (Paris). 2006 Nov;162(11):1125-7. doi: 10.1016/s0035-3787(06)75126-8.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Introduction: Lamotrigine is an anti-epileptic drug considered as a first-line therapy in idiopathic generalised epilepsy. Lamotrigine is well-tolerated and secondary aggravation of epileptic syndromes has rarely been reported.

Case report: We report the case of a 19 year-old man with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy in whom lamotrigine lead to the exacerbation of generalised tonico-clonic seizures, reversible when lamotrigine was stopped and substituted by valproic acid.

Conclusion: Lamotrogine may induce exacerbation of generalised tonico-clonic seizures and myoclonic jerks in juvenile myoclonic epilepsy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anticonvulsants / adverse effects*
  • Anticonvulsants / therapeutic use*
  • Electroencephalography
  • Epilepsy, Tonic-Clonic / chemically induced*
  • Epilepsy, Tonic-Clonic / complications
  • Humans
  • Lamotrigine
  • Male
  • Myoclonic Epilepsy, Juvenile / complications
  • Myoclonic Epilepsy, Juvenile / drug therapy*
  • Triazines / adverse effects*
  • Triazines / therapeutic use*
  • Valproic Acid / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Anticonvulsants
  • Triazines
  • Valproic Acid
  • Lamotrigine