[The use of lamotrigine in female patients].
BACKGROUND
Gender aspects are important when assessing the tolerability of antiepileptic drugs (AED). Due to its broad spectrum of action and to the lack of evidence for teratogenicity in monotherapy, lamotrigine (LTG) is an AED of first choice for women with epilepsy with child-bearing potential.


METHODS
In an observational study over 6 months including 832 women with epilepsy, we evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of LTG in monotherapy and add-on therapy, with a special focus on parameters of particular importance for women including changes in weight, skin, hair, and patterns of menstruation.


RESULTS
Of the treated patients, 94% had seizure reduction of at least 50%. Adverse events occurred in 7.3%; 1% experienced serious adverse events, all of which were reversible. Ninety-six percent continued treatment throughout the observation period, and 83% reported improvement in quality of life by the end of the study. Cognition, functioning at work, and mood improved in 43-54% of patients. In most of them, weight remained stable. Those who were switched from valporate (VPA) or carbamazepine (CPZ) to LTG lost 3.2 kg and 3.1 kg (means), respectively. Many of the women described problems related to menstruation at the beginning of the study: variability in cycle length (31.2%), hypermenorrhea (17.3%), and pains (10%). Skin and hair problems were reported by 18.4% and 17.3%, respectively. There was improvement in all of these aspects at the end of the study, particularly for those women switched from VPA or CBZ to LTG.


CONCLUSIONS
In summary, this observational study confirms the good tolerability of LTG with respect to issues particularly relevant to women. More complete elucidation of the correct LTG dosage, which varies widely according to the accompanying medication, will further improve treatment safety.
Schmitz
B
B
Neurologische Klinik und Poliklinik, Charité, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Humboldt-Universität Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany. bettina.schmitz@charite.de
Bergmann
L
L
D000152:Acne Vulgaris / Q000139:chemically induced; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001823:Body Composition / Q000187:drug effects; D001835:Body Weight / Q000187:drug effects; D002648:Child; D012628:Dermatitis, Seborrheic / Q000139:chemically induced; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D004569:Electroencephalography / Q000187:drug effects; D004828:Epilepsies, Partial / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D004829:Epilepsy, Generalized / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006197:Hair / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D000077213:Lamotrigine; D008597:Menstrual Cycle / Q000187:drug effects; D008875:Middle Aged; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D012737:Sex Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014227:Triazines / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000927:Anticonvulsants; D014227:Triazines; D000077213:Lamotrigine