Lamotrigine

drugbox
IUPAC_name = 6-(2,3-dichlorophenyl)-1,2,4-triazine-3,5-diamine

---

width = 135
CAS_number = 84057-84-1
ATC_prefix = N03
ATC_suffix = AX09
ATC_supplemental =
PubChem = 3878
DrugBank = APRD00570
C=9 | H=7 | Cl=2 | N=5
molecular_weight = 256.091 g/mol
smiles = Nc1nnc(c(N)n1)c1cccc(Cl)c1Cl
bioavailability = 98%
protein_bound = 55%
metabolism = Hepatic
elimination_half-life = 24-34 hours (healthy adults)
pregnancy_category = C (USA)
legal_status = N/A(USA); POM (UK)
routes_of_administration = Oral
excretion = Renal

Lamotrigine (marketed as Lamictal (IPAEng|ləˈmɪktəl) by GlaxoSmithKline, called Lamictin in South Africa, _he. למוג'ין (Lamogine) [cite web|url=http://www.drug.co.il/bygeneric.asp?gen_id=775&drugID=7007&wel=|title=LAMOTRIGINE|last=anonymous|year=2007|publisher=www.drug.co.il|accessdate=2008-04-14] in Israel, and _ko. 라믹탈 in South Korea) and also Lamitor is an anticonvulsant drug used in the treatment of epilepsy and bipolar disorder. For epilepsy it is used to treat partial seizures, primary and secondary tonic-clonic seizures, and seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Lamotrigine also acts as a mood stabilizer. It is the first medication since lithium to be granted approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the maintenance treatment of bipolar type I. Chemically unrelated to other anticonvulsants (due to Lamictal being a Phenyltriazine), lamotrigine has relatively few side-effects and does not require blood monitoring in monotherapy. Fact|date=August 2008 The exact way lamotrigine works is unknown. Some think that it is a Na⁺ (sodium) channel blocker, though it is interesting to note that lamotrigine shares very few side-effects with other, unrelated anticonvulsants known to inhibit sodium channels, (e.g. Oxcarbazepine), which may suggest that lamotrigine has a different mechanism of action. Lamotrigine is inactivated by hepatic glucuronidation.

Lamotrigine has a wide range of clinical uses. It has been found to be useful to treat neuropathy and also is known to be effective in treating unipolar depression, therefore patients with only these symptoms can derive an optimum benefit from lamotrigine when suffering from only these two symptoms.

However, lamotrigine has also been successful in controlling rapid cycling and mixed bipolar states in persons with more serious psychiatric disorders and who have not received what is considered to be adequate relief from lithium, carbamazepine or valproate, because it is deemed to possibly have significantly more antidepressant potency than either carbamazepine or valproate.Fact|date=April 2008

Lamotrigine has recently been reported to be a useful treatment for some people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and borderline personality disorder (BPD). A recent study reported beneficial effects on individuals with schizoaffective disorder, bipolar subtype with depression. [cite web|url=http://www.psycom.net/depression.central.lamotrigine.html|title=FAQ: Psychiatric Uses of Lamotrigine (Lamictal).|last=Goldberg, M.D.|first=Ivan K|date= 2006-03-27|publisher=psycom.net|accessdate=2008-04-09]

U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval history

* December 1994 - for use as adjunctive treatment for partial seizures with or without secondary generalization in adult patients (16 years of age and older).
* August 1998 - for use as adjunctive treatment of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome in pediatric and adult patients, new dosage form: chewable dispersible tablets.
* December 1998 - for use as monotherapy for treatment of partial seizures in adult patients when converting from a single enzyme-inducing anti-epileptic drug (EIAED).
* January 2003 - for use as adjunctive therapy for partial seizures in pediatric patients as young as 2 years of age.
* June 2003 - for the maintenance treatment of adults with Bipolar I Disorder to delay the time to occurrence of mood episodes (depression, mania, hypomania, mixed episodes) in patients treated for acute mood episodes with standard therapy. Additionally, the FDA has noted that findings for Lamictal maintenance treatment were more robust in bipolar depression.
* January 2004 - for use as monotherapy for treatment of partial seizures in adult patients when converting from the anti-epileptic drug valproate (including valproic acid (Depakene) and divalproex sodium (Depakote)).

Indications and usage

Therapeutic dose is 100-200 mg.

Lamotrigine was approved by the US FDA in 1994, for the treatment of bipolar I disorder and for the treatment of epilepsy. [cite web|url=http://www.fda.gov/cder/rdmt/ESCY03AP.HTM|title=EFFICACY SUPPLEMENTS APPROVED IN CALENDAR YEAR 2003|last=anonymous|date=19 March 2004|publisher=FDA/Center for Drug Evaluation and Research|accessdate=2008-04-09] For maintenance treatment of bipolar I disorder, Lamotrigine (Lamictal) is the first FDA-approved therapy since lithium. [GlaxoSmithKline, 2003]

While traditional anticonvulsant drugs are mostly antimanics, lamotrigine is most effective in the treatment and prophylaxis of bipolar depression. Lamotrigine treats bipolar depression without triggering mania, hypomania, mixed states, or rapid-cycling, and the 2002 American Psychiatric Association guidelines recommended lamotrigine as a first-line treatment for acute depression in bipolar disorder as well as a maintenance therapy.

However, lamotrigine is not indicated "on label" for the treatment of acute bipolar symptoms. Because the dosage must be slowly increased from a sub-therapeutic level to the therapeutic level, the drug's utility in the management of acute manic symptoms is debatable; typically benzodiazepines or another anticonvulsant will be used to manage the acute mania until the lamotrigine reaches therapeutic blood concentration.

At doses considered sub-therapeutic, lamotrigine is thought to have a mild anti-depressant effect, leading some to question its safety for use in bipolar disorder.Fact|date=April 2008 If lamotrigine's mechanism of action involves an increase in serotonin levels, this may potentially increase the risk of Serotonin syndrome.

In addition to treating bipolar Lamotrigine is one of a small number of FDA-approved therapies for seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, a severe form of epilepsy. Typically developing before four years of age, LGS is associated with developmental delays. There is no cure, treatment is often complicated, and complete recovery is rare. Symptoms include the atonic seizure (also known as a "drop attack"), during which brief loss of muscle tone and consciousness cause abrupt falls. Lamotrigine significantly reduces the frequency of LGS seizures, and is one of two medications known to decrease the severity of drop attacks. [French et al., 2004] Combination with valproate is common, but this increases the risk of lamotrigine-induced rash, and necessitates reduced dosing due to the interaction of these drugs. [Pellock, 1999]

Off-label uses include the treatment of peripheral neuropathy, trigeminal neuralgia, cluster headaches, migraines, and reducing neuropathic pain [Backonja, 2004; Jensen 2002; Pappagallo, 2003] . Off-label psychiatric usage includes the treatment of bipolar II disorders, schizoaffective disorder, borderline personality disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, and as adjunctive therapy for "treatment-resistant" unipolar depression. [Barbosa, Berk & Vorster, 2003]

Mechanism of action

One proposed mechanism of action for lamotrigine involves an effect on sodium channels, although this remains to be established in humans. "In vitro" pharmacological studies suggest that lamotrigine inhibits voltage-sensitive sodium channels, thereby stabilizing neuronal membranes and consequently modulating presynaptic transmitter release of excitatory amino acids (for example glutamate and aspartate).cite web|url=http://us.gsk.com/products/assets/us_lamictal.pdf|title=LAMICTAL PRESCRIBING INFORMATION|last=anonymous|month=May | year=2007|publisher=GlaxoSmithKline.|accessdate=2008-04-09|format=PDF]

Pharmacokinetics

The pharmacokinetics of lamotrigine are quite complicated, with highly varying half-life and blood plasma levels.Lamotrigine has fewer drug interactions than many anticonvulsant drugs, although pharmacokinetic interactions with Sodium Valproate in particular is an indication for blood monitoring.

ide effects

Lamotrigine prescribing information has a black box warning about life threatening skin reactions, including Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis. The manufacturer states that nearly all cases appear in the first 2 to 8 weeks of therapy and if medication is suddenly stopped then resumed at the normal dosage. Patients should seek medical attention for any unexpected skin rash as its presence is an indication of a possible serious or even deadly side effect of the drug. Not all rashes that occur while taking lamotrigine progress to Stevens-Johnson Syndrome or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis

Cognitive side effects are common with doses over 50mg qid ("quarter in die" - four times daily), as shown in the 2001-2003 Glaxo-sponsored Clinical Trials comparing quality of life between Topiramate and Lamotrigine in healthy volunteers (unpublished).Fact|date=April 2008Common side effects include headaches, dizziness and insomnia. Other side effects may include acne and skin irritation, vivid dreams or nightmares, night sweats, body aches and cramps, muscle aches, dry mouth, fatigue, memory and cognitive problems, irritability, weight changes, hair loss, changes in libido, frequent urination, nausea, and other side effects. In very rare cases, Lamotrigine has been known to cause the development of a dangerous rash called Stevens-Johnson syndrome (or SJS). The rash is more common in children, so this medication is often reserved for adults. There is also an increased incidence of this rash in patients who are currently on, or recently discontinued a valproate-type anticonvulsant drug, as these medications interact in such a way that the clearance of both is decreased and the effective dose of lamotrigine is increased. .

In clinical trials women were more likely than men to have side effects. This is the opposite of most other anticonvulsants and antipsychotics. It has been suggested that genetic background makes a difference in dosages, with those of non-Caucasian background typically needing lower doses.Fact|date=April 2008

Lamotrigine binds to melanin-containing tissues such as the iris of the eye. The long-term consequences of this are unknown. [cite web|url=http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/lamotrigine_wcp.htm|title=Lamictal, Warnings & Precautions|last=anonymous|publisher=RxList Inc.|accessdate=2008-04-09]

Use during pregnancy is recommended only if benefits outweigh potential risks. It was also reported on CNN in September 2006 that taking Lamictal during the first trimester of pregnancy can lead to a cleft palate in babies. Lamotrigine is found in breast milk; breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment.

Some patients have reported experiencing a loss of concentration, even with very small doses, while some others have actually reported an increase in alertness and concentration. In general, however, it tends to have less of an impact on concentration relative to other mood stabilizers. Fact|date=September 2007 GlaxoSmithKline investigated lamotrigine for the treatment of ADHD. The results were inconclusive. No detrimental effects on cognitive function were observed, however, the only statistical improvement in core ADHD symptoms was an improvement on a test, PASAT (Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test), that measures auditory processing speed and calculation ability. [cite web|url=http://ctr.gsk.co.uk/Summary/lamotrigine/studylist.asp|title=lamotrigine studies|last=anonymous|publisher=GlaxoSmithKline|accessdate=2008-04-09]

Availability

GlaxoSmithKline's trademarked brand of Lamotrigine, Lamictal, is manufactured in scored tablets (25 mg, 100 mg, 150 mg and 200 mg) and chewable dispersible tablets (2 mg, 5 mg and 25 mg). Five-week sample kits are also available; these include titration instructions and scored tablets (25 mg for patients taking valproate, 25 mg and 100 mg for patients not taking valproate). Lamotrigine is also available in un-scored tablet form. In 2005, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. began selling generic Lamotrigine in the United States, but only in 5 mg and 25 mg chewable dispersible tablets. [cite web|url=http://www.tevapharm.com/pr/2005/pr_513.asp|title=Press Release, Teva Announces Settlement Of Lamictal® Litigation With Glaxosmithkline|last=anonymous|date=17 February 2005|publisher=Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.|accessdate=2008-04-09] On 23 July 2008 Teva began offering the full line of generic Lamotrigine in the US. [http://www.tevapharm.com/pr/2008/pr_779.asp] Lamotrigine is also available in generic form [cite web|url=http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Healthcare/Medicinespharmacyandindustry/Prescriptions/DH_4104966|title=Treatment for epilepsy: generic lamotrigine|last=anonymous|date=2 March 2005|publisher=Department of Health (UK)|accessdate=2008-04-09] in the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada.

Notes

References

* Backonja, M. (2004). [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=15115640 Neuromodulating drugs for the symptomatic treatment of neuropathic pain] . "Cur Pain Headache Rep". 8(3):212–6
* Barbosa, L. Berk, M. Vorster, M. (2003). [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=12716240 A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of augmentation with lamotrigine or placebo in patients concomitantly treated with fluoxetine for resistant major depressive episodes] . [Abstract] . "J Clin Psychiatry". 64(4):403–407.
* Campbell, G.H. Lutsep, H.L. (2004, 16 December). [http://www.emedicine.com/neuro/topic593.htm "Trigeminal neuralgia"] . J. Mendizabal, et al. (Eds). Accessed on March 22, 2005.
* Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. (2005, 01 April). [http://www.fda.gov/cder/ob/default.htm "A catalog of FDA approved drug products"] . Washington, DC: U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Accessed on April 01, 2005.
* Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. (2005, 01 April). [http://www.fda.gov/cder/ob/default.htm "Electronic orange book: Approved drug products"] . Washington, DC: U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Accessed on April 01, 2005.
* Curry, W.J. and Kulling, D.L. (1998). [http://www.aafp.org/afp/980201ap/curry.html Newer Antiepileptic Drugs: Gabapentin, Lamotrigine, Felbamate, Topiramate and Fosphenytoin] . American Family Physician. 57(3): 513-?.
* French, J.A. et al. (2004). [http://www.neurology.org/cgi/content/full/62/8/1261 Efficacy and tolerability of the new antiepileptic drugs II: Treatment of refractory epilepsy] [electronic version] . "Neurology". 62:1261–1273.
* GlaxoSmithKline. (2003, June 23). [http://www.gsk.com/press_archive/press2003/press_06232003a.htm "Lamictal: First medication since Lithium approved for long-term maintenance treatment of bipolar disorder"] . Press Release.
* GlaxoSmithKline. (2004, January 14). [http://us.gsk.com/products/assets/us_lamictal.pdf "For epilepsy it is used to treat partial seizures, primary and secondary tonic-clonic seizures, and seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Lamictal® (lamotrigine): Prescribing information"] . Accessed on February 02, 2005.
* GlaxoSmithKline UK. (2004, February 09). [http://emc.medicines.org.uk/emc/assets/c/html/displaydoc.asp?documentid=4228 "Lamictal combined tablets"] . "electronic" Medicines Compendium. Accessed on February 02, 2005.
* Glauser, T.A. Morita, D.A. (2002, January 30). [http://www.emedicine.com/neuro/topic186.htm "Lennox-gastaut syndrome"] . (eds). Accessed on March 22, 2005.
* Huntington’s Outreach Project for Education. (2004, December 08). [http://www.stanford.edu/group/hopes/treatmts/antiglut/l4.html "Lamotrigine disease mechanism V: Glutamate toxicity"] Stanford University. Accessed on March 12, 2005.
* Jensen, T.S. (2002). [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=11888243 Anticonvulsants in neuropathic pain: rationale and clinical evidence] . [Abstract] . "Eur J Pain". 6 Suppl A:61–68.
* Ochoa, J.G. & Riche W. (2005, 02 March). [http://www.emedicine.com/neuro/topic692.htm "Antiepileptic drugs: An overview"] . E.A. Passaro, et al (Eds). Accessed on March 12, 2005.
* Pappagallo, M. (2003). [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=14667954 Newer antiepileptic drugs: possible uses in the treatment of neuropathic pain and migraine] . [Abstract] . "Clin. Ther." 25(10):2506–38.
* Pellock, J.M. (1999). [http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/104/5/1106 Managing pediatric epilepsy syndromes with new antiepileptic drugs] [Special issue, electronic version] . "Pediatrics". 104(5): 1106–1116.

External links

* [http://www.psycom.net/depression.central.lamotrigine.html FAQ: Psychiatric Uses of Lamotrigine (Lamictal)] , by Ivan K. Goldberg, MD. Includes many references from the medical literature.
* [http://www.fda.gov/cder/foi/nda/98/020241s003.htm Center for Drug Evaluation and Research: Lamictal] - documents related to the FDA approval process, including medical reviews and correspondence letters.
* [http://medguides.medicines.org.uk/displaypage.aspx?t=medicine&i=24 Lamictal™ Medicine Guide] - from the "electronic" Medicines Compendium (UK), with the summary of product characteristics and pdf files of patient information leaflets.
* [http://www.epilepsy.org.za/faq.php Epilepsy South Africa: MEDICATION FOR EPILEPSY] - an Epilepsy FAQ with a list of medicines for treatment thereof, includes Lamotrigine with South African trade name Lamictin.