Question: What is the current thinking on the use of the drug lamotrigine for the stabilization of PPS? Is there data to show it is effective without significant side effects? It has been ordered for me by my neurologist at 100 mg twice daily. I am 81 and reluctant to start this drug as the side effects are very scary, and it is being ordered off-label. Are there any drugs that have been proven effective for post-polio fatigue or muscle weakness?
Answer from Frederick Maynard, MD: There are no studies that clearly demonstrate a benefit from taking lamotrigine for polio survivors with PPS. There are some reports that it may provide some modest relief of severe fatigue, but it has not been of proven benefit. There are no “placebo-controlled” studies showing a benefit for people with PPS from any drug at this time. At age 81, I would agree with your decision to forego the risk of side-effects for an unestablished modest benefit of symptoms.
Post-Polio Health (Vol. 34, No. 1, Winter 2018)