LAMOTRIGINE
It is a novel anti-epileptic drug, a phenyltriazine derivative. It is effective in all types of epilepsy seizures and syndromes.Adjunctive therapy in the treatment of epilepsy in patients above 16 yrs. of age in simple partial seizures, complex partial seizures, secondary generalised tonic-clonic seizures.
In patients taking enzyme including AEDs with/without other AEDs (except valproate): Initial dose is 50mg daily for 2 week, followed by 100 mg/day given in two divided doses for two weeks. Thereafter the dose should be increased by a maximum of 100 mg every 1-2 weeks until the optimal response is obtained. The usual maintenance dose is 200-400 mg daily in two divided doses. In patients taking sodium valproate with/without any other anti-epileptic drug (AED): The initial dose is 25mg every alte
Children below 16 yrs. Hypersensitivity, hepatic impairment.
Monitor renal, hepatic or clotting parameters in case of any sudden unexplained rash, fever, flu-like symptoms, loss of seizure control, CNS symptoms, especially during the first months of therapy. Paediatrics: Not recommended. Pregnancy: Use only if the ptential benefits of treatment to the mother outweigh any possible risks to the developing foetus. Lactation: Not recommended. Elderly: Not recommended.
Skin rashes, diplopia, blurred vision, conjunctivitis, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, unsteadiness, tiredness, GI disturbances, irritability, aggression, tremor, agitation, confusion, haematological disturbances.
Phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbitone and primidone iduce and increase hepatic metabolism while sodium valproate reduces the metabolism of lamotrigine.
