Lamotrigine

Abstract

Clinical use of the antiepileptic drug (AED) lamotrigine (LTG) has dramatically increased since its introduction in Europe in 1991 and in the United States in 1994. This article surveys the English-language literature of LTG published before 1998. This literature is concerned with the molecular mechanisms of LTG's antiepileptic action, evaluation of its clinical antiepileptic efficacy, adverse experiences associated with its clinical use, and current guidelines for its initiation. LTG's efficacy has been extensively confirmed in multiple postmarketing studies, and its applications are broad. The most serious adverse experiences have involved skin rash. Valproic acid affects LTG metabolism, and a specific set of guidelines for the concurrent use of valproic acid and LTG has been developed. Unique issues are also associated with its pediatric use. LTG has a significant place in clinical management of a wide range of epilepsy syndromes, and the scope of its use is expanding. Accumulating clinical data enable the clinician to maximize its efficacy and minimize adverse experiences. Guidelines for its pediatric use must be followed diligently.