Lamotrigine Flashcards
1
Q
What is the method of action of Lamotrigine?
A
- Not fully understood
- Inhibits Na+ channels
- Stabilises neuronal membranes
- Modulates pre-synaptic transmitter release of excitatory amino acids
2
Q
What are the indications for lamotrigine?
A
- Epilepsy – in adults and children: partial and generalised seizures, including tonic clonic seizures and seizures associated with Lennox Gastaut syndrome
- Typical absent seizures in children
- Bipolar disorder
3
Q
What are the contraindications of lamotrigine?
A
- Pregnancy - ↑ risk of birth defects inc. cleft palate
* Renal failure – take caution
4
Q
What are the side effects of lamotrigine?
A
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea/vomiting
- Skin rash
- Double vision
- Suicidal thoughts
- Steven-Johnson syndrome
- Sore eyes/mouth
- Swelling of face/glands
- Sore throat/fever/more colds
- Unexpected bleeding/brusing
- Nystagmus – overdose
- Ataxia – overdose
- Loss of consciousness/coma – overdose
5
Q
What are the interactions with lamotrigine?
A
- Gabapentin, levetiracetam, pregabalin
- Lithium, olanzapine
- Bupropion
- Other antiepileptic medication
- Risperidone
- Rifampicin
- HIV medication
- OCP
6
Q
What information should be given to a patient taking lamotrigine?
A
- Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are sure you are not affected by this medication
- Do not stop the medication abruptly but gradually over 2 weeks
- May take time to work for bipolar disorder
