Lamotrigine

Lamotrigine is one of the latest generation antiepileptics. This medicine is used to treat seizures in people over 16 years old. It can also be prescribed to children from the age of 2 years old onwards in combination with other antiepileptic medicines .

How does lamotrigine work?

Lamotrigine acts on the sodium channels. These channels are involved in the propogation of the nerve impulses and therefore in the electrical activity of neurones. This medicine is designed to reduce neuronal over-excitability and therefore the risk or severity of epileptic seizures.

Do they have contraindications or precautions?

Lamotrigine can cause headaches, dizziness, fatigue, nausea and vomiting. In particular it can cause occasionally severe skin reactions.

Sources:

• Merck Manual, 4^th edition
• Institute for pharmaceutical and biological sciences – Lyon Faculty of Pharmacy