Lambert Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS): treatment

3,4 diaminopyridine (3,4 DAP, Amifampridine)

• This is the treatment of choice for LEMS
• The dose is 5-10mg 3-4 times daily
• It blocks pre-synaptic potassium channels
• It prevents deterioration in strength
• It may cause paraesthesias and seizures

Complementary treatments to 3,4 DAP

Second line treatments

Other immunosuppressants

Drugs to avoid

References

1. Weimer MB, Wong J. Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome. Curr Treat Options Neurol 2009; 11:77-84.
2. Seneviratne U, de Silva R. Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome. Postgrad Med J 1999; 75:516-520.
3. Mareska M, Gutmann L. Lambert-Eaton syndrome. Semin Neurol 2004; 24:149-153.
4. Gilhus NE. Lambert Eaton myasthenic syndrome; pathogenesis, diagnosis, and therapy. Autoimmune Dis 2011; 2011:973808.
5. Lindquist S, Stangel M. Update on treatment options for Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome: focus on use of amifampridine. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2011; 7:341-349.
6. And 4 more. Subscribe to see the full list

Related checklists

• Lambert Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS): antibodies
• Lambert Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS): electromyogram (EMG)
• Lambert Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS): cancer management
• Lambert Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS): annual surveillance