title: Valproic Acid versus Lamotrigine as First-line Monotherapy in Newly Diagnosed Idiopathic Generalized Tonic -Clonic Seizures in Adults - A Randomized Controlled Trial.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Idiopathic Generalized Tonic-Clonic Seizures (GTCS) are frequently encountered in adults. Their successful control is necessary to improve the quality of life of these patients. Valproic acid is a simple branched-chain carboxylic acid and lamotrigine is a phenyltriazine derivative. Opinions differ in regards to their effectiveness in idiopathic GTCS.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To compare the effectiveness of valproic acid and lamotrigine in newly diagnosed adults with idiopathic generalized tonic-clonic seizures.
  
  
  METHODS
  The present prospective randomized study was conducted on 60 patients suffering from idiopathic GTCS. Thirty patients received valproic acid and rest 30 patients received lamotrigine. All patients were followed regularly monthly for one year for treatment response and adverse effects.
  
  
  RESULTS
  After 12 months follow-up, 76.67% patients taking valproic acid and 56.67% patients taking lamotrigine were seizure-free. Common adverse effects recorded were nausea, dyspepsia, headache and skin rash.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Valproic acid is more effective than lamotrigine as first-line drug in the treatment of adults with newly diagnosed idiopathic generalized tonic-clonic seizures.
authors.affiliation: Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacology, Teerthanker Mahaveer Medical College and Research Centre , Moradabad, U.P, India .
authors.forename: Vishal Prakash
authors.initials: VP
authors.lastname: Giri
authors.affiliation: Professor and Head, Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Darbhanga Medical College and Hospital , Darbhanga, Bihar, India .
authors.forename: Om Prakash
authors.initials: OP
authors.lastname: Giri
authors.affiliation: Professor, Department of Pharmacology, Teerthanker Mahaveer Medical College and Research Centre , Moradabad, U.P, India .
authors.forename: Farhan Ahmad
authors.initials: FA
authors.lastname: Khan
authors.affiliation: Assistant Professor, Department of Neurosurgery, Teerthanker Mahaveer Medical College and Research Centre , Moradabad, U.P, India .
authors.forename: Narendra
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Kumar
authors.affiliation: Associate Professor, Department of Medicine, Teerthanker Mahaveer Medical College and Research Centre , Moradabad, U.P, India .
authors.forename: Ajay
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kumar
authors.affiliation: Post-Graduate Student, Department of Pharmacology, Teerthanker Mahaveer Medical College and Research Centre , Moradabad, U.P, India .
authors.forename: Ataul
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Haque
keywords: Antiepileptic drugs; Clinical trial; Effectiveness; Epilepsy; Monotherapy