Where Does Lamotrigine Fit in the Pharmacotherapy of Mood Disorders? An Evidence-Based Appraisal

The existing clinical trials database for lamotrigine favors its utility in preventing (mainly depressive) recurrences in bipolar I disorder. It may best be viewed as a mood stabilizing agent with predominantly antidepressant properties—particularly as prophylaxis—with a therapeutic benefit that is less well-established either acutely or in patients with conditions other than bipolar I disorder. Design limitations of existing trials limit the extent to which its possible broader pharmacodynamic properties can be generalized or brought to bear as an evidence-based option in wider clinical populations with mood dysregulation.