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Lamotrigine (drug)
Lamotrigine blocks voltage-gated sodium channels and inhibits glutamate release, reducing neuronal excitability.
Lamotrigine blocks voltage-gated sodium channels and inhibits glutamate release, reducing neuronal excitability. Used for Epilepsy (partial seizures, primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome), Bipolar I disorder maintenance treatment, Off-label use in neuropathic pain and mood disorders.
At a glance
| Generic name | Lamotrigine (drug) |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | MaineHealth |
| Drug class | Anticonvulsant / Antiepileptic drug |
| Target | Voltage-gated sodium channels; glutamate release inhibition |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Neurology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Lamotrigine stabilizes neuronal membranes by blocking sodium channels, which prevents repetitive neuronal firing. It also inhibits the release of glutamate, an excitatory neurotransmitter, through effects on calcium channels. These combined actions reduce abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
Approved indications
- Epilepsy (partial seizures, primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome)
- Bipolar I disorder maintenance treatment
- Off-label use in neuropathic pain and mood disorders
Common side effects
- Rash (including Stevens-Johnson syndrome risk)
- Dizziness
- Ataxia
- Diplopia
- Headache
- Nausea
- Somnolence
Key clinical trials
- Lithium Versus Lamotrigine in Bipolar Disorder, Type II (PHASE4)
- A Study to Assess the Long-term Safety of KarXT for the Treatment of Manic Episodes in Bipolar-I Disorder (BALSAM-3) (PHASE3)
- A Study to Evaluate the Effects of Lithium, Valproic Acid, and Lamotrigine on the Pharmacokinetics of KarXT and Effects of KarXT on the Pharmacokinetics of Lithium, Valproic Acid, and Lamotrigine in Healthy Participants (PHASE1)
- A Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Adjunctive KarXT for the Treatment of Mania, With or Without Mixed Features, in Participants With Bipolar-I Disorder Taking Lithium, Valproate, or Lamotrigine (PHASE3)
- Neurophysiological Effects of Medication Tapering During Treatment With Spinal Cord Stimulation
- Intensified Pharmacological Treatment for Schizophrenia, Major Depressive Disorder and Bipolar Depression After a First-time Treatment Failure (PHASE3)
- Quality Improvement and Practice Based Research in Neurology Using the EMR (PHASE4)
- Ketogenic Diet for New-Onset Absence Epilepsy (PHASE3)
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 |