Seizure disorders (myoclonic)
- Use broad-spectrum therapy
- Valproate is highly effective in juvenile myoclonic epilepsy
- Levetiracetam is a common alternative
- Lamotrigine can occasionally worsen myoclonus
- Avoid carbamazepine/phenytoin in typical generalized myoclonus
- Sleep deprivation is a major trigger
Use at a glance
- Use broad-spectrum therapy
Practical pearls
- Valproate is highly effective in juvenile myoclonic epilepsy
- Levetiracetam is a common alternative
Other practical pearls
- Lamotrigine can occasionally worsen myoclonus
- Sleep deprivation is a major trigger
Safety / pitfalls
- Avoid carbamazepine/phenytoin in typical generalized myoclonus
Self-check
- Which drug can occasionally worsen myoclonus?
Lamotrigine. - Which drugs should be avoided in typical generalized myoclonus?
Carbamazepine/phenytoin.
Drugs used for this (9)
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