Lamotrigine: an unusual etiology for aseptic meningitis

Neurologist. 2010 Jan;16(1):35-6. doi: 10.1097/NRL.0b013e31819f9544.

Abstract

Background: Several drugs have been reported to induce meningitis, most frequent being nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, intravenous immunoglobulins, and OKT3 antibodies. Although there are rare reports of lamotrigine-associated aseptic meningitis, this is only the second confirmed by re-exposure to the medication.

Case report: We describe a case of lamotrigine-induced aseptic meningitis in a 36-year-old woman with hypothyroidism and bipolar disorder. Symptoms appeared within 2 weeks after starting the medication and resolved over several days after discontinuation. Her complex reappeared one week later within one hour after re-exposure to lamotrigine.

Conclusion: Lamotrigine is a rarely reported and possibly underrecognized cause of aseptic meningitis. Physicians should be aware of aseptic meningitis as a potential reaction when prescribing lamotrigine or encountering cases of aseptic meningitis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antimanic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Antimanic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Bipolar Disorder / complications
  • Bipolar Disorder / drug therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypothyroidism / complications
  • Lamotrigine
  • Meningitis, Aseptic / chemically induced*
  • Meningitis, Aseptic / complications
  • Time Factors
  • Triazines / adverse effects*
  • Triazines / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Antimanic Agents
  • Triazines
  • Lamotrigine