Lamotrigine has common side effects of:
Lamotrigine A new anticonvulsant having carbamazepine-like action profile: modifies maximal electroshock and decreases electrically evoked as well as photic after-discharge duration. Prolongation of Na+ channel inactivation and suppression of high frequency firing has been demonstrated. In addition, it may directly block voltage sensitive Na+ channels, thus stabilizing the presynaptic membrane and preventing release of excitatory neurotransmitters, mainly glutamate and aspaate. This may account for its broader-spectrum of antiseizure efficacy. However, it does not antagonize PTZ seizures or block NMDA type of glutamate receptors Lamotrigine is a broad-spectrum antiepileptic. Initially found useful as add-on therapy in refractory cases of paial seizures and GTCS, it has now been shown effective as monotherapy as well. Absence and myoclonic or akinetic epilepsy cases have also been successfully treated. Reduction in seizure frequency or complete control is obtained as frequently as with carbamazepine. Lamotrigine is well absorbed orally and metabolized completely in liver. Its t half is 24 hr, but is reduced to -16 hr in patients receiving phenytoin, carbamazepine or phenobarbitone. On the contrary valproate inhibits glucuronidation of lamotrigine and doubles its blood level, but valproate levels are lowered by lamotrigine. Reduce the dose of lamotrigine to half in patients taking valproate. However, metabolism of other anticonvulsants and oral contraceptives is not altered. Side effects are sleepiness, dizziness, diplopia, ataxia and vomiting. In some comparative trials lamotrigine has been found to be better tolerated than carbamazepine or phenytoin. Negative effect on cognitive function is not repoed. Rash may be a severe reaction, paicularly in children, requiring withdrawal. REF: K D Tripathi Sixth 8TH EDITION
Rash
Irritability
Nephrotoxicity
Behavioral disturbances
Central Nervous system