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EpiNet-First Trial 5: Comparison of efficacy of levetiracetam and lamotrigine in people with previously untreated epilepsy who have unclassified seizures, and for whom sodium valporate is not deemed an acceptable anti-epileptic drug.

EpiNet First Trial 5: A pragmatic randomised controlled trial comparing the effectiveness of levetiracetam versus lamotrigine in people with previously untreated epilepsy who have unclassified seizures, and for whom sodium valporate is not deemed an acceptable anti-epileptic drug.

Status
Terminated
Phases
Phase 4
Study type
Interventional
Source
ANZCTR
Registry ID
ACTRN12615000641594
Enrollment
39
Registered
2015-06-22
Start date
2015-05-12
Completion date
2020-04-12
Last updated
2022-11-07

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

None listed

Brief summary

Levetiracetam is being compared with lamotrigine in patients with new-onset epilepsy who have unclassified seizures and for whom sodium valporate is deemed unsuitable. Four other closely related trials are being conducted, with the entry criteria for each trial determined by the seizure type that the patient experiences. Sustained seizure freedom (at least 12 months seizure free) is the primary endpoint.

Interventions

EpiNet-First Trial 5: patients with unclassified seizures for whom sodium valproate is unsuitable will be randomised (1:1) to receive levetiracetam or lamotrigine. Levetiracetam. Oral medication. Duration of treatment administration = 2 years. Dose to be determined by investigator according to usual clinical practice. The range of doses will vary from 250 mg to 4000 mg (oral tablets) daily in two divided doses and will be determined as considered clinically appropriate by the investigator. Adhe

EpiNet-First Trial 5: patients with unclassified seizures for whom sodium valproate is unsuitable will be randomised (1:1) to receive levetiracetam or lamotrigine. Levetiracetam. Oral medication. Duration of treatment administration = 2 years. Dose to be determined by investigator according to usual clinical practice. The range of doses will vary from 250 mg to 4000 mg (oral tablets) daily in two divided doses and will be determined as considered clinically appropriate by the investigator. Adherence will be assessed by the investigators checking regularly with patients whether they are taking the drug as prescribed. Serum drug levels are not required as part of the study, but will be monitored as determined by the investigator and considered appropriate for good clinical care.

Sponsors

EpiNet Study Group
Lead SponsorOther Collaborative groups

Study design

Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Intervention model
Parallel
Primary purpose
Treatment
Masking
Open (masking not used)

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
All
Age
5 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

The key inclusion criteria for EpiNet-First Trial 5 is: 1-Aged 5 years or older on date of consent 2-The investigator is confident that the patient has epilepsy 3-Two or more spontaneous generalized seizures that require antiepileptic drug treatment (provided all seizures have not been absence seizures); 4-Antiepileptic drug monotherapy considered the most appropriate option 5-Willing to provide consent. For patients younger than the age of consent (usually 16 years), patient's parent/legal representative willing to give consent.

Exclusion criteria

The key exclusion criteria for EpiNet-First Trial 5 is: 1-Provoked seizures (e.g. alcohol, recreational drugs) 2-Acute symptomatic seizures (e.g. acute brain haemorrhage or acute brain injury) 3-Absence seizures as only seizure type 4-Psychogenic non-epileptogenic seizures 5-Has ever been treated with an antiepileptic for more than one week 6-Known progressive neurological disease (e.g. brain tumour)

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ANZCTR · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026