Internationale Zeitschrift für Herz-Kreislauf-Forschung

Various myocardial abnormalities and autonomic nervous system abnormalities may lead to an inherited sudden cardiac arrest syndrome

Hanno L. Tan

An assessment of study findings by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) revealed a possible elevated risk of cardiac rhythm disorders, known as arrhythmias, in individuals with heart disease who use the epilepsy and mental health drug lamotrigine (Lamictal). We want to see if other drugs in the same class have similar heart effects, so we're requiring safety studies on those as well. When more information from this research becomes available, we will tell the public.

Lamotrigine is used to treat seizures in individuals aged 2 and up, either alone or in combination with other medications. It may also be used as a maintenance medication in people with bipolar illness to assist prevent mood episodes such as sadness, mania, or hypomania from occurring. Lamotrigine, sold under the brand name Lamictal and as generics, has been approved and on the market for more than 25 years. Patients should not discontinue taking lamotrigine without first consulting their doctor, as this can result in uncontrollable seizures or the onset of new or worsened mental health problems. If you have an abnormal heart rate or irregular rhythm, or symptoms like a racing heartbeat, skipped or slow heartbeat, shortness of breath, dizziness, or fainting, call your doctor or go to the emergency department straight soon.