title: Valproate as a risk factor for lamotrigine discontinuation.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Although lamotrigine may be useful for treating bipolar depressive patients, some lamotrigine-associated adverse effects may prevent the continuation of treatment. The purpose of the present study was to identify risk factors for lamotrigine discontinuation after adjustment for several potential interactive factors.
  
  
  METHODS
  We examined tolerability in those who discontinued lamotrigine within 2 months of treatment and those who maintained lamotrigine for more than 2 months. Groups were examined separately because 6-8 weeks are necessary to titrate dose and drug eruptions can often occur within 2 months of treatment commencement.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Multiple regression analysis revealed that valproate combination was positively and significantly associated with lamotrigine discontinuation after adjustment for other factors.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The limitations of the present study were retrospective observation and a relatively small number of subjects.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The present findings reconfirm that lamotrigine and valproate combination treatment may prevent the continuation of lamotrigine in some patients.
authors.affiliation: Yatsushiro Kousei Hospital, Kumamoto, Japan.
authors.forename: Yasuhisa
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Abe
authors.forename: Setsuko
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Yasugawa
authors.forename: Kenshiro
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Miyamoto
authors.forename: Takeshi
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Terao
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D000077213:Lamotrigine; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019964:Mood Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014227:Triazines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014635:Valproic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D028761:Withholding Treatment; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000927:Anticonvulsants; D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D014227:Triazines; D014635:Valproic Acid; D000077213:Lamotrigine
keywords: bipolar disorder; discontinuation; lamotrigine; valproate