Lamotrigine and Psychiatric Side Effects: Anxiety and Irritability

Evidence from Clinical Trials

• In children with autism spectrum disorder (ages 3-11 years), lamotrigine was associated with significant side effects of insomnia and hyperactivity, but not anxiety or irritability, in a randomized controlled trial 1, 2, 3
• Discontinuation of SSRIs, not lamotrigine, can cause anxiety and irritability as part of withdrawal syndrome, which is relevant for patients on multiple medications 4

Clinical Context and Interpretation

• The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry notes that discontinuation of SSRIs can cause anxiety and irritability as part of withdrawal syndrome, highlighting the importance of monitoring for psychiatric symptoms when initiating or discontinuing medications 4