Lamotrigine(lamictal) is one of the well-known antiepileptic drugs. It blocks voltage-sensitive sodium channels, stabilize membranes of neurons and depress level of excitatory neuro-transmitters in synapses. Absorption of the drug is good with oral use, and it’s not affected by a food.
This drug can be used in many types of epileptic seizures but most beneficial is for patients with partial seizures, primary and secondary tonic-clonic seizures and seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. As with most antieileptic drugs, lamotrigine can cause many side effects. Papular ot erythematous rash may develop in more or less 10 percent patients in the early stages of treatment. Systemic symptoms such as fever or lymphadentopathy may occur as well, which often necessitates discontinuation of the drug. Life-threatening rashes are rare(less than 0,1%) and are more common among patients that take also valproic acid(depakine). Serious side-effects are more frequent in children, so lamotrigine is not indicated in patients under 16. Because of depression of central nervous system patients taking this drug should be very careful when it comes to driving.
Lamotrigine is used in psychiatric disorders. It stabilizises mood and has clear antidepressant effects. Many patients with Bipolar I and especially Bipolar II are treated with this medication .
I met many patients treated with this drug, some were excited, others hated it honestly. I wonder what are your experiences ?
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