Overview
- There is a significant synergistic drug interaction with valproate (valproate is an enzyme inhibitor, lamotrigine clearance is reduced and thus lamotrigine levels are higher).
- This can increase risk of rash significantly.
- Lower doses of lamotrigine and slow escalation are required.
Dosage
A reasonable dosage regime is commencement of lamotrigine 0.15mg/kg/second daily (for a week), then same dose daily (for 2 weeks), then increase every 2 weeks by 0.15mg/kg/day to target 1-3mg/kg/day. Maximal dose 4-5mg/kg/day.
- Adding lamotrigine to valproate does not appear to affect valproate levels.
- On lamotrigine, a recommended maximum dose of valproate is approximately 30mg/kg.
- Dosages per kilogram can only be used in children of weight approximately up to 30-40kgs. Consult appropriate formularies for higher weights and in the adult range.
- These dosages are only a guideline and appropriate formularies should be consulted as needed.
- All anticonvulsants are potentially teratogenic and this is often dose related (see section: AED Prescribing - Pregnancy)
- For a complete list of adverse effects, appropriate formularies should be consulted.
Interactions | Precautions
- Oral contraceptives and the other anticonvulsants that induce hepatic glucuronidation will also decrease the level of lamotrigine.