Effects of lamotrigine on cognition and behavior compared to carbamazepine as monotherapy for children with partial epilepsy

To compare the cognitive and behavioral effects of lamotrigine (LTG) to carbamazepine (CBZ) as monotherapy for pediatric epilepsy. A multicenter, randomized, open-label, parallel-group clinical trial was conducted in children with partial-onset seizures. LTG or CBZ was prescribed as monotherapy for previously untreated children and titrated over 8 weeks, followed by maintenance for 24 weeks. Outcome measures were change in cognition and behavior in a combined analysis of standardized measures from screening to the end of the maintenance phase, as well as antiepileptic efficacy and tolerability. A total of 67 children completed the study, including 32 of 43 (74.4%) treated with LTG and 35 of 41 (85.4%) treated with CBZ. Seizure-free outcomes did not differ between the intent-to-treat populations (53.5% LTG, 56.1% CBZ; p = 0.81). There were no statistically significant differences in the intelligence of the two groups after treatment. Externalizing behavior problems improved in the CBZ group (p < 0.05). However, there were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of externalizing behavior. The parents’ report on the Conner scale showed an improvement in the CBZ group compared to the LTG group (p < 0.05). LTG and CBZ showed similar efficacy and cognitive effects in treating childhood partial epilepsy. However, CBZ showed more benefits in improving externalizing behaviors.