Effects of lamotrigine on nocturnal sleep, daytime somnolence and cognitive functions in focal epilepsy.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of our study was to evaluate possible changes in nocturnal sleep, daytime somnolence and cognitive functions induced by add-on therapy with lamotrigine (LTG).


METHODS
Thirteen patients affected by seizures resistant to common antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) underwent nocturnal polysomnographic monitorings, daytime somnolence evaluations and a neuropsychological battery before and after 3 months of treatment with LTG.


RESULTS
With LTG therapy we observed a significant increase in REM sleep and a significant reduction in the number of entries into REM and stage shifts. No significant correlation was observed between the decrease in nocturnal epileptiform activity and the increase in REM sleep. Other sleep parameters were unmodified. No significant changes were observed in daytime somnolence and in cognitive performances.


CONCLUSIONS
LTG may produce positive effects on epileptic seizures and interictal abnormalities without interfering negatively on REM sleep, with improvement of sleep stability and without changes in daytime somnolence and neuropsychological performances. For these reasons it could be an important drug for improving epileptic patients' quality of life.
Placidi
F
F
Clinical Neurologica Università Tor Vergata, Isola Tiberina, Roma, Italy. fbplacidi@libero.it
Marciani
M G
MG
Diomedi
M
M
Scalise
A
A
Pauri
F
F
Giacomini
P
P
Gigli
G L
GL
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001921:Brain / Q000503:physiopathology; D003071:Cognition / Q000187:drug effects*; D018432:Drug Resistance, Multiple; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D004828:Epilepsies, Partial / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D000077213:Lamotrigine; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017286:Polysomnography; D012894:Sleep Stages / Q000187:drug effects*; D012895:Sleep, REM / Q000187:drug effects; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014227:Triazines / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000927:Anticonvulsants; D014227:Triazines; D000077213:Lamotrigine