Medical school participating in epilepsy study

Patients are being recruited by the School of Medicine as part of a national study of Lamictal extended-release to determine its effectiveness and safety for treating epilepsy. The Lamictal in the extended release form is investigational and is being evaluated for use by the medical school's neurology department as part of a multi-center site study.

"Regular-release Lamictal is a proven antiepileptic medication that is helpful for many persons with epilepsy. The extended-release preparation may improve its usability," said Dr. Dean K. Naritoku, professor of neurology and director of SIU's Center for Epilepsy, who is directing the study.

Volunteers 13 years of age and older are being sought. Participants should be experiencing seizures that are not adequately controlled by current treatment. Other medical criteria will be evaluated to determine if they are appropriate for the study. Each participant will receive a physical examination and other tests before beginning and during 12 follow-up visits every four weeks over nine months. There is no charge to the participants for the tests and medications related to the study, which is sponsored by GlaxoSmithKline. Results will be shared with the participant's personal physician.

If you are interested in participating in the study, contact Laura Cation in the Department of Neurology, at 217/545-3013 or by email.