Efficacy and safety of lamotrigine in patients with trigeminal neuralgia: a comparison with carbamazepine

摘要

Background: Antiepileptic drugs are increasingly used in the treatment of pain syndromes. This study evaluates efficacy and safety of lamotrigine in comparison with carbamazepine (CBZ) in trigeminal neuralgia (TN) patients. Methods: A total of 50 previously and newly diagnosed patients of TN were administered with lamotrigine (LTG) in comparison to CBZ. The final titration in dose for LTG was 400 mg/day and 1200 mg/day for CBZ. Clinical assessment (pain relief) was done before and after 15, 30, and 60 days of drug administration by visual analog scale and verbal rating scale. Side effects were recorded during study in both groups. Results: Of 25 patients in Group I who received CBZ, 16 patients (64%) experienced complete pain relief, while in Group II (LTG), 21 patients experienced complete pain relief. LTG was generally well tolerated except one patient was withdrawn due to skin rashes. CBZ was associated with mild hematological and central nervous system side effects. Conclusion: LTG is as effective and safe treatment for the management of TN as compared to CBZ.