Lametec-100 DT (Lamotrigine Dispersible 100mg)

Lametec-100 DT general information

What is Lametec-100 DT used for?

Lametec-100 DT tablets 100mg are used as adjunctive therapy in the treatment of epilepsy, for partial seizures, where the area of the brain involved in a seizure is localised, and primary generalised seizures, in which the whole brain is involved, including tonic-clonic seizures and the seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome.  Lametec-100 DT should not be used as the main therapy or initial treatment but can be used in addition to the main treatment or can be converted to monotherapy from the main treatment with other specified anti-epileptic medications, if required.  Lametec-100 DT tablets 100mg is also used as maintenance therapy for bipolar disorder to prevent or delay the occurrence of mood episodes both mania and depressive episodes.  Lametec-100 DT works through a common mechanism to treat these conditions.

How does Lametec-100 DT work?

Lametec-100 DT tablets 100mg contain lamotrigine an anticonvulsant and anti-epileptic that acts as a mood stabiliser and is used to treat epilepsy and bipolar disorder.  Epileptic seizures are triggered by episodes of abnormal electrical activity in the brain, in which a malfunction in the transmission of electrical signals causes repetitive firing and transmission of excitatory nerve messages.  Transmission of electrical signals is controlled by brain chemicals called neurotransmitters.  For the brain to function normally it is important to have a balance between excitatory neurotransmitters like glutamate and neurotransmitters that have a calming effect on nerve cells, like Gamma amino-butyric acid (GABA).  Conduction of electrical impulses in the brain is regulated by the flow of positive sodium ions into and out of the nerve cell through special sodium channels.  Lamotrigine in Lametec-100 DT is thought to block voltage-gated sodium channels, which stabilises the nerve cell membrane, as a build-up of sodium ions is needed before a nerve cell can discharge and transmit an electrical signal, and this inhibits the sustained repetitive firing of neurones.  Lamotrigine in Lametec-100 DT also inhibits release of glutamate, which plays a key role in the generation of epileptic seizures.

What does Lametec-100 DT contain?

Lametec-100 DT contains the active ingredient lamotrigine 100mg, an anticonvulsant and anti-epileptic that is used to treat epilepsy and bipolar disorder.

Treating epilepsy with Lametec-100 DT

Lametec-100 DT tablets 100mg contain lamotrigine an anticonvulsant and anti-epileptic that is used as adjunctive therapy to treat epilepsy, but should not be used as the main therapy or initial treatment but can be converted to monotherapy from the main treatment with other specified anti-epileptic medications, if required.  Lametec-100 DT is used for partial seizures, where the area of the brain involved in a seizure is localised, and primary generalised seizures, in which the whole brain is involved, including tonic-clonic seizures and the seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome.   Epileptic seizures are triggered by episodes of abnormal electrical activity in the brain, in which a malfunction in the transmission of electrical signals causes repetitive firing and transmission of excitatory nerve messages. Transmission of electrical signals is controlled by brain chemicals called neurotransmitters.   For the brain to function normally it is important to have a balance between excitatory neurotransmitters like glutamate and neurotransmitters that have a calming effect on nerve cells, like Gamma amino-butyric acid (GABA).  Conduction of electrical impulses in the brain is regulated by the flow of positive sodium ions into and out of the nerve cell through special sodium channels.  Lamotrigine in Lametec-100 DT is thought to block voltage-gated sodium channels, which stabilises the nerve cell membrane, as a build-up of sodium ions is needed before a nerve cell can discharge and transmit an electrical signal, and this inhibits the sustained repetitive firing of neurones.  Lamotrigine in Lametec-100 DT also inhibits release of glutamate, which plays a key role in the generation of epileptic seizures.

Lametec-100 DT for bipolar disorder

Lametec-100 DT tablets 100mg contain lamotrigine an anticonvulsant and mood stabiliser that is used as maintenance therapy for bipolar disorder to prevent or delay the occurrence of mood episodes both mania and depressive episodes.  Bipolar disorder is characterised by episodes of extreme mood swings that alternate between very high excitable mood and very low depression, balanced by periods of “normal mood” in between.  Lametec-100 DT is used primarily to prevent depressive episodes but is not used for acute treatment of manic or depressive episodes.  Mood swings in bipolar disorder are thought to be due to a malfunction in the brain nerve cells of the sodium pump, which controls the flow of sodium ions into and out of nerve cells and is essential for transmission of nerve signals.  Transmission of electrical signals is controlled by brain chemicals called neurotransmitters.   For the brain to function normally it is important to have a balance between excitatory neurotransmitters like glutamate and neurotransmitters that have a calming effect on nerve cells, like Gamma amino-butyric acid (GABA).  Conduction of electrical impulses in the brain is regulated by the flow of positive sodium ions into and out of the nerve cell through special sodium channels.  The mechanism of action by which lamotrigine in Lametec-100 DT acts as a mood stabiliser in bipolar disorder is thought to be by interaction with the voltage-gated sodium channels, which stabilises the nerve cell membrane, as a build-up of sodium ions is needed before a nerve cell can discharge and transmit an electrical signal. 

What are the side effects of Lametec-100 DT?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Lametec-100 DT include, skin rash, dizziness or light headedness, tiredness or drowsiness, weakness, unsteadiness when walking (ataxia), headache, nausea, vomiting, dermatitis, urticaria (hives), diarrhoea, constipation, blurred or double vision, tremor, nystagmus (involuntary movements of the eye) restlessness, agitation or confusion, muscle pain.  A rare but serious side effect is a skin rash that becomes severe, requiring hospitalisation, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis.  Increased risk of suicidality (thoughts of suicide).

When should Lametec-100 DT not be used?

You should not use Lametec-100 DT if you:

• are allergic to lamotrigine or any ingredients in Lametec-100 DT
• are pregnant or are breastfeeding, without discussion with your doctor
• have a history of rash or allergy to other antiepileptic drugs
• have kidney or liver disease
• have Parkinson’s disease
• are taking medicines that interact with Lametec-100 DT, including hormonal contraceptives, other anticonvulsants like valproate, phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbitone and primidone, the anti-bacterial rifampicin, the antiretrovirals lopinavir or atazanavir and ritonavir for HIV

What medications interact with Lametec-100 DT?

Several medications interact with Lametec-100 DT and should either not be taken while you are taking Lametec-100 DT or only after discussion and instruction from your doctor:

• Drugs that affect Lametec-100 DT: hormonal contraceptives, other anticonvulsants like valproate, phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbitone and primidone, the anti-bacterial rifampicin, the antiretrovirals lopinavir and ritonavir or atazanavir and for HIV,
• Drugs that are affected by Lametec-100 DT: hormonal contraceptives

How should Lametec-100 DT be taken?

You should take your Lametec-100 DT tablets 100mg with or without food either swallowed whole with a glass of water, chewed or dispersed in a small amount of water.  The dose you take and how often depends on what you are being treated for and your doctor’s recommendation, which could be on alternate days or once or twice daily.  Your dose may be increase over the first few weeks and you should continue to take your Lametec-100 DT for as long as recommended by your doctor.  

How long should you take Lametec-100 DT?

You should continue to take your Lametec-100 DT for as long as recommended by your doctor. 

Missed dose of Lametec-100 DT

If you miss a dose of Lametec-100 DT take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose.  Do not take a double dose.

How should Lametec-100 DT be stored?

You should store your Lametec-100 DT below 25°C in a cool dry place.