Lamictal Dose in 4 Year Old with PetitMal/Absence Seizures?

Question

My friend's 4 year old has petit mal/absence seizures. He uses Lamictal alone, no other medications. They keep bumping up his meds, not when she sees seizures, but when he appears disoriented, runs into walls, has cognitive issues etc because they're saying it's all because he's disoriented from seizures she's not seeing. I'm beginning to think he's just overmedicated and that's the reason for the problems.

He's 35lbs (about 16kg) and he's taking 225mg/day in two divided doses (100mg in a.m. and 125mg in p.m.)

Does anyone have experience in using this medication in children that small and if so, does this seem like a high dose?

Thanks...

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

I pretty much agree with toots here. Lamictal isn't given based on weight, most epileptic medicines aren't. What doctors tend to do is start with a small dose and increase it until the seizures stop. That's what they did when I was diagnosed.

It can be very frustrating when this goes on, but it tends to be the only thing they can do because the doctors will probably never see him have a seizure. EEGs will give plenty of information, but often absence seizures aren't triggered by flashing lights or any other situation that can be easily simulated. The doctors usually go with what they are told.

One big thing your friend can do is to write notes on everything that happens when she suspects her child is having a seizure. Have her take notes on what he was doing before, during, and afterwards. Try talking to him and ask simple questions (do they know where they are, what their name is, who you are, etc.) What they can and can't do during a seizure can help to figure out where the seizure is happening. Even which hand or foot they may be moving can help with which side of the brain it starts on.

My friends and family can tell when I have a seizure because I do repetitive things like pulling at my clothing, clenching my fists or flicking my ear, always with my right hand. Afterwards I am normally disoriented and don't make much sense when I talk. The running into walls is normal for someone who just had an absence seizure.

I hope everything works out for them.

Source(s):

http://www.lamictal.com/epilepsy/hcp/ind…

http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/about/…

A decade of first hand experience

Answer 2

Absence seizures usually are not detectable by untrained observers; they are detectable on EEG. Lamictal is used to treat intractable seizure activity in children, and is a relatively new drug (5-6 years on the market). The dose is moderated by results rather than weight; if he is experiencing disorientation and other cognitive changes due to seizure activity, the dosage needs to be increased. The pediatric neurologist may eventually want to use an additional drug, as well. Don't second-guess the doctor on this one; I'm sure he/she is very experienced with treating petit mal/absence seizures

Source(s):

My familiarity with pediatric seizure patients and Lamictal.