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Lamotrigine

Alternate test name

Lamictal

Lab area
Clinical Biochemistry - TDM & Toxicology
Method and equipment
HPLC
Expected turn-around time
Stat: 3 hours Routine: 72 hours
Specimen type

Serum

Plasma (Heparin or Citrate)

Specimen requirements

100 uL

Storage and transportation
  • Serum/plasma must be separated within 2 hours of collection
  • Store and ship frozen
Shipping information
The Hospital for Sick Children
Rapid Response Laboratory
555 University Avenue, Room 3642
Toronto, ON
Canada
M5G 1X8
Phone: 416-813-7200
Toll Free: 1-855-381-3212
Hours: 7 days/week, 24 hours/day
Background and clinical significance

The exact mechanism of action is unknown. In vitro studies suggest that lamotrigine blocks voltage-sensitive sodium channels, thereby stabilizing neuronal membranes and inhibiting the presynaptic release of neurotransmitters, principally glutamate. Lamotrigine also may directly inhibit high-frequency sustained repetitive firing of sodium-dependent action potentials. 

Lamotrigine is indicated as an adjunct to other anticonvulsant medications in the treatment of partial seizures in adults 16 years of age and older with epilepsy, and in the treatment of generalized seizures of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome in adult and paediatric patients two years of age and older. Lamotrigine is indicated as monotherapy for treatment of partial seizures (in adults 16 years of age and older) following withdrawal of a concomitantly used enzyme-inducing anticonvulsant medication.

Disease condition

Anticonvulsant

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