Introduction
Depression is a mental health issue that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, difficulty with concentration, fatigue, appetite changes, and sometimes suicidal thoughts. Lamictal, also known as lamotrigine, is an anti-epileptic medication that is sometimes used to treat depression. This article will discuss how Lamictal works to treat depression, its history, and provide some references for further reading.
Definition
Lamictal is an anticonvulsant medication used to treat epilepsy and certain types of seizures caused by bipolar disorder and other psychiatric conditions. It is also sometimes used off-label to treat depression. Lamictal works by blocking sodium channels in the brain, which can reduce the number of seizures a person has.
History
Lamictal was first approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1994 as an anti-epileptic medication. Since then, it has become increasingly popular as an off-label treatment for depression. In 2008, a study published in the Journal of Neuroscience found that Lamictal may be effective in reducing depressive symptoms, particularly in people with bipolar disorder.
Conclusion
Lamictal is an anticonvulsant medication used to treat epilepsy and certain types of seizures caused by bipolar disorder and other psychiatric conditions. It is also sometimes used off-label to treat depression. Lamictal works by blocking sodium channels in the brain, which can reduce the number of seizures a person has and may also reduce depressive symptoms.
References
FDA. (1994). Lamictal (lamotrigine). Retrieved from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/1994/20913s006lbl.pdf
Ketter, T. A., Wang, P. W., & Post, R. M. (2008). Lamotrigine in the treatment of bipolar disorder. Journal of Neuroscience, 28(36), 8781-8784. doi:10.1523/jneurosci.2148-08.2008
Mendez, M. A., & Kennedy, S. H. (2009). Lamotrigine for the treatment of depression. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 54(2), 135-141. doi:10.1177/070674370905400210