Lamotrigine

Summary

Lamotrigine is a medication used to treat seizures as well as bipolar disorder. An important adverse effect is a life-threatening drug rash called Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, so any signs of a rash should be reported immediately. Another common side effect is drowsiness or sedation.

Key Points

• Lamotrigine (Lamictal)
  • Mechanism
    • Drug class: Anticonvulsants/Anti Seizure
      • Blocks voltage-gated sodium channels
  • Clinical Use
    • Seizures
      • Can treat partial and generalized seizures
    • Bipolar disorder
      • First line treatment
  • Side Effects and Adverse Reactions
    • Rash / Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
      • Any signs of a rash should be immediately reported to the provider
    • Sedation, fatigue, dizziness
      • Acts to depress CNS activity at sodium channels
    • Gastrointestinal distress
      • May be taken with food to reduce GI distress