A Systematic Review on Lamotrigine Induced Skin Rashes

Lamotrigine is a newer anti-epileptic drug synthesised in 1980s and approved by USFDA in 1994. It is mainly used for treating paediatric epilepsy and one of the frequently prescribing newer anti- epileptic drugs in European countries. In English scenario, lamotrigine is suggested as monotherapy for recently identified partial seizures (localized seizure) in children as its first line drug. Lamotrigine is recommended for generalized seizures as second line drug and as add on therapy in intractable generalized epilepsy. It is a treatment option after sodium valproate and ethosuximide for petit-mal epilepsy. It can be used as either single or in combination with other anti-epileptic drugs. It has lot of adverse effects like other anti-epileptic drugs. Major adverse effect associated with lamotrigine is skin rashes in newly administered patients up to 8 weeks. About 3-10 % of the patients experience skin rashes in their therapy with lamotrigine. Lamotrigine doses should be titrated properly in combination with other anti-epileptic drugs especially with valproic acid. Other less common adverse effects with lamotrigine include dizziness, ataxia, blurred vision, headache, nausea and diplopia. Moreover, lamotrigine has a safe drug profile and effective in both children and adults for the treatment of various types of seizures. The dose escalation should be monitored regularly to avoid serious adverse reactions