The use of lamotrigine in neuropathic pain

Abstract

Sodium channel antagonists have been used in the management of neuropathic pain for several years. Recent evidence suggests that lamotrigine, which is active at glutaminergic excitatory synapses, is very effective in producing pain relief. We have successfully used lamotrigine in two patients suffering from neuropathic pain. Our results suggest that this novel channel antagonist can be used to treat neuropathic pain. Double blind placebo control studies are therefore needed to substantiate these findings.