Miya Pearson
Lamotrigine, also known as Lamictal, is an anti-seizure medication that has been found to have varying effects on sleep. Some studies have found that it may be associated with insomnia and poor sleep, while others suggest that it can improve sleep stability without negatively impacting REM sleep. Overall, it appears that Lamictal may be less disruptive to sleep than some older anti-seizure medications. However, more research is needed to fully understand the effects of Lamictal on sleep, especially in comparison to other medications.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| --- | --- |
| Effect on REM sleep | Increase |
| Effect on SWS | Decrease |
| Effect on stage 2 sleep | Increase |
| Effect on arousals | Decrease |
| Effect on stage shifts | Decrease |
What You'll Learn
Lamotrigine may increase REM sleep
Lamotrigine, also known as LTG, is an anti-seizure medication that has been found to have an effect on sleep. While the effects of older antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) on sleep are well-known, the impact of newer AEDs, such as lamotrigine, is less understood.
Several studies have indicated that lamotrigine may increase REM sleep. In one study, 13 patients with seizures resistant to common AEDs were given LTG therapy, resulting in a significant increase in REM sleep. Another study of ten adults with focal epilepsy who were treated with LTG also found an increase in REM sleep periods. Additionally, a study by Foldvary-Schaefer et al. (2002) reported that LTG produced a significant increase in REM sleep in their subjects.
Factors Influencing the Effect of Lamotrigine on Sleep
It is important to note that the effects of lamotrigine on sleep may vary depending on several factors. The presence of other AEDs, dosage of LTG, and individual differences in patients can all influence the impact of lamotrigine on sleep. In the study by Placidi et al. (2000), seven out of ten patients were taking carbamazepine (CBZ), and three were treated with phenytoin (PHT). The study by Foldvary et al. (2001) also included patients taking CBZ or PHT, and the results showed a decrease in slow-wave sleep (SWS) and an increase in stage 2 sleep.
Limitations and Further Research
The sample sizes in these studies are relatively small, and more research is needed to fully understand the effects of lamotrigine on sleep. Additionally, the impact of LTG on sleep may be influenced by the presence of other AEDs, and further studies are required to disentangle the specific effects of lamotrigine.
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Lamotrigine may reduce the number of entries into REM sleep
Lamotrigine is an anti-seizure medication that has been found to have a positive effect on the sleep of people with epilepsy. In a study of ten adults with focal epilepsy, seven of whom were taking carbamazepine and three of whom were taking phenytoin, lamotrigine was found to produce a significant decrease in slow-wave sleep and an increase in stage 2 sleep percentage. This suggests that lamotrigine may be less disruptive to sleep than some older anti-seizure medications.
The study found that lamotrigine treatment was associated with a reduction in arousals and stage shifts, and an increase in REM sleep periods. However, there was no significant difference in the Epworth Sleepiness Scale scores or any other polygraphic variables. The mean baseline and post-treatment scores on the Epworth Sleepiness Scale were 7.7 and 7.1, respectively.
The study also found that lamotrigine may have a positive effect on sleep quality and daytime alertness. Six subjects reported no change in sleep quality or daytime alertness, while two subjects described a reduction in sleep latency and/or nocturnal awakenings compared with baseline. One subject reported more frequent daytime napping, and another reported an increase in dreaming. Treatment with lamotrigine did not produce an increase in snoring, witnessed apnea, restlessness, or symptoms of restless leg syndrome.
Overall, the study suggests that lamotrigine may reduce the number of entries into REM sleep and have a positive effect on sleep in people with epilepsy.
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Lamotrigine may not negatively impact REM sleep
A 2000 study found that lamotrigine therapy resulted in a significant increase in REM sleep and a significant reduction in the number of entries into REM and stage shifts. No significant correlation was observed between the decrease in nocturnal epileptiform activity and the increase in REM sleep. Other sleep parameters were unmodified. No significant changes were observed in daytime somnolence and in cognitive performances.
Another study found that lamotrigine treatment was associated with a reduction in arousals and stage shifts and an increase in REM periods. No subjects reported insomnia with treatment.
A third study found that lamotrigine may be less disruptive to sleep than some of the older antiepileptic drugs. The only significant effects of treatment included an increase in stage 2 (light sleep) and a decrease in slow-wave sleep (deep sleep). Although not reaching statistical significance, a decrease in the arousal index and stage shifts and an increase in REM periods were observed.
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Lamotrigine may not cause insomnia
Lamotrigine is an anti-seizure medication (ASM) that may improve or have a detrimental effect on sleep. While some people have associated lamotrigine with poor sleep, this may be due to epilepsy or other factors. In fact, lamotrigine may be less disruptive to sleep than some older ASM.
Lamotrigine and Sleep
Lamotrigine has been found to increase stage 2 sleep and reduce slow-wave sleep (SWS). However, it is not associated with excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and most studies indicate an improvement in sleep stability.
In a study of ten adults with focal epilepsy, treatment with lamotrigine produced a significant decrease in SWS and an increase in stage 2 sleep percentage. No significant difference in the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) or any other polygraphic variables was observed. However, lamotrigine treatment was associated with a reduction in arousals and stage shifts and an increase in REM periods. Notably, no subjects reported insomnia with treatment.
Another study of 13 patients with seizures resistant to common anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) found a significant increase in REM sleep and a significant reduction in the number of entries into REM and stage shifts. No significant correlation was observed between the decrease in nocturnal epileptiform activity and the increase in REM sleep. Other sleep parameters were unmodified. No significant changes were observed in daytime somnolence and in cognitive performances.
Other Factors Affecting Sleep
It is important to consider that sleep can be disrupted by seizures, even in the absence of AEDs. Nocturnal seizures can increase wake time, reduce REM and SWS, prolong REM latency, and increase sleep fragmentation. Daytime complex partial seizures can also prolong REM latency and decrease REM percentage on the following night.
Additionally, sleep is commonly disrupted in patients with epilepsy, with frequent arousals, awakenings, and stage shifts. This can occur even in the absence of nocturnal seizures and AEDs.
Furthermore, epilepsy surgery may benefit sleep in patients with a good surgical outcome, while polysomnography can be used to objectively assess sleep structure.
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Lamotrigine may not increase daytime somnolence
Lamotrigine, also known as LTG, is an anti-seizure medication that is used to treat epilepsy. LTG has been found to have a positive effect on sleep stability and does not cause any changes in daytime somnolence.
LTG has been found to increase REM sleep and reduce the number of entries into REM sleep and stage shifts. This can be beneficial for people with epilepsy as it can help improve their sleep stability and quality of life.
In a study conducted by Placidi et al., 13 patients with seizures that were resistant to common anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) were given LTG therapy for 3 months. The results showed that LTG therapy significantly increased REM sleep and reduced the number of entries into REM sleep and stage shifts. There were no significant changes observed in daytime somnolence and cognitive performances.
Another study by Foldvary et al. examined the effects of LTG on sleep in 10 adults with focal epilepsy. The results showed a significant decrease in slow-wave sleep (SWS) and an increase in stage 2 sleep percentage. LTG treatment was also associated with a reduction in arousals and stage shifts, and an increase in REM periods. No subjects reported insomnia with LTG treatment.
Overall, LTG appears to have a positive effect on sleep stability and does not increase daytime somnolence. It is important to note that more research is needed to fully understand the effects of LTG on sleep and to compare it with other anti-epileptic drugs.
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Frequently asked questions
Lamotrigine, the generic name for Lamictal, has been associated with poor sleep for some people who take it. However, there is no clear consensus on whether Lamictal interferes with REM sleep. Some studies have shown that Lamictal may produce positive effects on epileptic seizures and interictal abnormalities without negatively interfering with REM sleep. On the other hand, other studies have found that Lamictal can decrease slow-wave sleep (SWS) and increase stage 2 sleep, which may have an impact on sleep quality. Overall, while Lamictal may not directly interfere with REM sleep, it can still affect sleep architecture and cause sleep disturbances in some individuals.
REM sleep, or rapid-eye movement sleep, is one of the two main sleep cycles, the other being non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. REM sleep is associated with increased brain activity, eye movements under closed eyelids, and muscle relaxation. It is during REM sleep that we experience vivid dreams.
Lamictal can have varying effects on sleep, including changes in sleep architecture such as a decrease in SWS and an increase in stage 2 sleep. Some people taking Lamictal may experience insomnia or disrupted sleep cycles. However, it is important to note that sleep disturbances can also be related to the underlying condition, such as epilepsy, rather than solely due to the medication.
The side effects of Lamictal can include sleep disturbances, dizziness, and insomnia. It is important to consult a healthcare professional if you are experiencing any side effects while taking this medication.
Melatonin is often used to aid sleep, but it is important to consult a healthcare professional before taking any supplements or medications together. Melatonin may help with falling asleep but may not be as effective in maintaining sleep throughout the night. Adjusting the dosage or timing of Lamictal may also help improve sleep.
