Valproate as a risk factor for lamotrigine discontinuation

AbstractBackground gh 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. s mined 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. s le regression analysis revealed that valproate combination was positively and significantly associated with lamotrigine discontinuation after adjustment for other factors. tions mitations of the present study were retrospective observation and a relatively small number of subjects. sions esent findings reconfirm that lamotrigine and valproate combination treatment may prevent the continuation of lamotrigine in some patients.