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Lamotrigine: an unusual etiology for aseptic meningitis

Gregory M Lam1, Dana P Edelson, Chad T Whelan

  • 1Section of Hospital Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA. glam@medicine.bsd.uchicago.edu

The Neurologist
|January 13, 2010
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Lamotrigine can rarely cause aseptic meningitis, a condition where the brain lining becomes inflamed. This case confirms lamotrigine as a potential cause, highlighting the need for physician awareness.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Aseptic meningitis can be drug-induced, with common culprits including NSAIDs, antibiotics, and immunoglobulins.
  • Lamotrigine is a rare but reported cause of drug-induced aseptic meningitis.

Observation:

  • A 36-year-old woman with hypothyroidism and bipolar disorder developed aseptic meningitis symptoms within two weeks of starting lamotrigine.
  • Symptoms resolved upon discontinuation and recurred rapidly upon re-exposure to lamotrigine.

Findings:

  • This case provides the second confirmation of lamotrigine-induced aseptic meningitis through re-challenge.
  • Lamotrigine is identified as a potential, possibly underrecognized, cause of aseptic meningitis.

Implications:

  • Physicians should consider lamotrigine as a potential cause of aseptic meningitis in patients presenting with relevant symptoms.
  • Increased awareness may improve diagnosis and management of lamotrigine-associated aseptic meningitis.

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