Abstract

AN OVERVIEW ON LAMOTRIGINE

Rama Lakshmi Devadi*

Abstract

Lamotrigine (LTG) was first synthesized in the early 1980s. It was approved for adult use in Ireland in 1990, the UK in 1991, and by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1994. LTG is an organic compound, white to pale-cream colored powder with chemical name 6- (2, 3-dichlorophenyl)-1, 2, 4-triazine-3, 5-diamine. LTG stabilizes presynaptic neuronal membranes by acting at voltage-sensitive sodium channels and modulating presynaptic transmitter release of excitatory neurotransmitters such as aspartate and glutamate. LTG with enzyme inducing AEDs like PHT, recommended initial dose is 50mg/day for 2 weeks, followed by 50mg three times a day for 2 weeks. There are several reports of pharmacokinetic interactions of oral contraceptives with AEDs, which raise concern regarding increased risk of seizures. Some oral contraceptives decrease serum AED concentration by increasing AED metabolism. LTG in the treatment of pediatric patients: LTG in the treatment of childhood absence seizures: In a retrospective analysis, patients with typical absence seizures refractory to VPA were treated with low-dose of LTG and treatment appeared to be effective

Keywords: lamotrigine; anti-epileptic, valproic acid.