Review of lamotrigine and its clinical applications in epilepsy.
Lamotrigine is an anti-epileptic agent with broad efficacy. Lamotrigine works at voltage-sensitive sodium channels, thereby stabilising the neuronal membrane and inhibiting the release of excitatory neurotransmitters such as glutamate and aspartate. Early preclinical animal studies indicate its broad-spectrum efficacy, which was later confirmed in clinical trials. Multiple randomised, placebo-controlled and comparative trials demonstrate its efficacy against partial and secondarily generalised seizures. Open-label trials show its efficacy against generalised seizures, especially absence seizures of childhood absence epilepsy and generalised seizures of juvenile myoclonic epilepsy. Lamotrigine has a wide clinical dose range and possesses favourable pharmacokinetic properties. It has a good tolerability and safety profile, which enhance compliance. Its small risk of serious skin rash should be weighed against its potential benefits when choosing lamotrigine on an individual basis. Lamotrigine is an excellent therapeutic option in epilepsy.
Choi
Hyunmi
H
Department of Neurology, Columbia University, New York, USA. HC323@columbia.edu
Morrell
Martha J
MJ
D000014:Abnormalities, Drug-Induced; D000818:Animals; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D000077213:Lamotrigine; D011247:Pregnancy; D011788:Quality of Life; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D026941:Sodium Channel Blockers / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014227:Triazines / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000927:Anticonvulsants; D026941:Sodium Channel Blockers; D014227:Triazines; D000077213:Lamotrigine