Lamotrigine

chemical structure of lamotrigine

Lamotrigine (marketed as Lamictal by GlaxoSmithKline) is an anti-epileptic drug that is used to treat partial seizures, primary and secondary tonic-clonic seizures, and seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. It is usually taken with along with other epilepsy medications.

As with a handful of anti-convulsants and anti-epileptic medications, Lamotrigine can also be used as a mood stabilizer for treatment of bipolar disorder. It is also believed to have some antidepressant effects.

Lamotrigine has been known to cause side effects which are rare, yet serious. It is imperative that the usage directions for this medication be followed without deviation. In many cases, a psychiatrist will advise the patient to start this medication by increasing the dosage at a slower rate then commonly held. This is done either at the discretion of the doctor or at the request of the patient and is not to be superseded. The commonly held speed to which Lamotrigine is increased is a safe regimen that often takes weeks or months. Sudden increases or deacreases are to avoided, though in the case where a dose is late, it is safe to take unless it is nearing the time for the next dose. In which case only take the normal prescribed dosage, noting that doubling a dose is never recommended. Frequent blood testing is not uncommon especially in the first 6 months. Common side effects are headaches, dizziness and insomnia. In severe cases, Lamotrigine has been known to cause the developement of a dangerous rash in some people, and blood disorders are even more uncommon. The rash is more common in children, so this medication is usually avoided with youth.

See also

• A rare side effect: Stevens-Johnson's syndrome

External links

• http://www.psycheducation.org/depression/meds/moodstabilizers.htm
• http://www.psycheducation.org/depression/meds/lamotrigine.htm

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