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Lamotrigine + Aripiprazole
Lamotrigine stabilizes neuronal membranes by blocking sodium channels, while aripiprazole acts as a dopamine D2/D3 receptor partial agonist, together modulating neurotransmission to treat mood and psychotic disorders.
Lamotrigine stabilizes neuronal membranes by blocking sodium channels, while aripiprazole acts as a dopamine D2/D3 receptor partial agonist, together modulating neurotransmission to treat mood and psychotic disorders. Used for Bipolar I disorder maintenance treatment, Bipolar depression.
At a glance
| Generic name | Lamotrigine + Aripiprazole |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Abilify, BMS-337039 |
| Sponsor | Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization, Inc. |
| Drug class | Anticonvulsant/mood stabilizer + atypical antipsychotic combination |
| Target | Voltage-gated sodium channels (lamotrigine); dopamine D2/D3 receptors (aripiprazole) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Psychiatry/Neurology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Lamotrigine reduces the release of excitatory neurotransmitters (glutamate and aspartate) by blocking voltage-gated sodium channels, providing mood-stabilizing effects. Aripiprazole functions as a partial agonist at dopamine D2 and D3 receptors, reducing dopaminergic hyperactivity in psychosis while maintaining baseline dopamine signaling. The combination targets both glutamatergic and dopaminergic pathways to address symptoms of bipolar disorder and related conditions.
Approved indications
- Bipolar I disorder maintenance treatment
- Bipolar depression
Common side effects
- Headache
- Nausea
- Insomnia
- Akathisia
- Weight gain
- Tremor
- Dizziness
Key clinical trials
- Longitudinal Comparative Effectiveness of Bipolar Disorder Therapies
- Pharmacovigilance in Gerontopsychiatric Patients (PHASE3)
- Early Detection and Intervention for the Prevention of Psychosis (NA)
- Effect of Antidepressants on the Treatment for Korean Major Depressive Disorder Patients (PHASE4)
- Rechallenge, Potential Drug Induced Liver Injury (Kaiser)
- A Phase IV Study of the Safety and Efficacy of Aripiprazole in Combination With Lamotrigine in the Long-Term Maintenance Treatment of Patients With Bipolar I Disorder With A Recent Manic or Mixed Episode (PHASE4)
- Drug-drug Interaction Study of Aripiprazole and Lamotrigine in Patients With Bipolar Type I Disorder (PHASE1)
- Juvenile Bipolar Disorder Outpatient Program (PHASE4)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |