Lamotrigine Flashcards
What is it indicated for?
Seizure prophylaxis in epilepsy
Bipolar depression
How does it work?
Not fully understood, it binds to voltage-sensitive neuronal Na channels, inhibiting influx of sodium ions reducing seizure activity
What side effects occur with this drug?
Headache
Drowsiness
Irritability
Blurred vision
dizziness
GI upset
skin rash- in a few people
What are the warnings of this drug class?
History of hypersensitivity to other antiepileptic drugs
Hepatic impairment
Measure concentrations in pregnancy
What are interactions?
Drugs that induce glucuronidation (metabolises Lamotrogine)
The lamotrogine dose should be doubled)
Carbamazepine
Phenytoin
Oestrogen
Antivirals (protease inhibitors)
Rifampin
Valproate increases levels of lamotrigine so dose should be halved
