Ezilam

Description

Do NOT take Ezilam if you have:

• Known hypersensitivity (allergy) to Lamotrigine or any of its components.

Precautions:

• Hepatic or renal impairment: Use with caution and monitor closely.
• Children’s body weight: Monitor regularly in pediatric patients.
• Hypersensitivity reactions: Patients should be advised to report any signs of allergic reactions (especially skin rashes) immediately.
• Abrupt withdrawal: Avoid stopping the medication suddenly unless severe skin reactions develop, as this can worsen seizures.
• Driving/Operating Machinery: May impair ability to drive or operate machinery.
• Pregnancy and Lactation: Use with caution during pregnancy. It is distributed into human breast milk, so caution is advised for breastfeeding mothers.

Drug Interactions:

Always inform your doctor about all medications you are taking, especially:

• Enzyme-inducing drugs (e.g., phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbitone, primidone, rifampicin, ethinyloestradiol/levonorgestrel combination): May enhance (increase) the metabolism of lamotrigine, leading to reduced lamotrigine levels.
• Sodium Valproate: Reduces the metabolism of lamotrigine, which can lead to increased lamotrigine levels.

Possible Side Effects

Lamotrigine can cause various side effects. While not everyone experiences them, some possible effects include:

• Very Common (>10%): Dizziness (38%), Diplopia (double vision, 26-30%), Headache (29%), Ataxia (lack of coordination, 22%), Blurred vision (16-20%), Rhinitis (11-15%), Somnolence (drowsiness, 14%).
• Common (1-10%): Insomnia (6-10%), Fatigue (8%), Chest pain (5%), Peripheral edema (swelling, 2-5%), Suicidal ideation (2-5%), Dermatitis (2-5%), Dry skin (2-5%), Increased libido (2-5%), Rectal hemorrhage (2-5%), Weakness (2-5%), Agitation (1-5%), Dysarthria (slurred speech, 1-5%), Edema (1-5%), Fever (1-5%), Migraine (1-5%), Abnormal thoughts (1-5%), Urinary frequency (1-5%), Tremor (4%).
• Frequency Not Defined (<1% but reported): Palpitations, Anxiety, Chills, Depression, Decreased memory, Emotional lability, Incoordination, Malaise, Seizure exacerbation, Vertigo, Pruritus (itching), Rash, Amenorrhea, Hot flashes, Abdominal pain, Constipation, Diarrhea, Dyspepsia, Nausea, Vomiting, Arthralgia (joint pain), Neck pain, Cough, Flu syndrome, Infection, Vaginitis, Nystagmus (involuntary eye movements).
• Potentially Fatal: Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis (severe skin reactions).

How does Ezilam work?

Lamotrigine works by inhibiting voltage-sensitive sodium channels in the brain. This action stabilizes neuronal membranes, which in turn inhibits the pathological release of excitatory amino acids (such as glutamate and aspartate). These amino acids play a crucial role in the initiation and spread of epileptic seizures. By stabilizing these processes, lamotrigine helps to control seizures and stabilize mood in bipolar disorder.