Indications: Epilepsy, mania

Contraindications

• pregnancy
• women of childbearing potential

MOA : unknown. ?blockade of voltage dependent Na+ channels and increased brain levels of GABA

Dosage

• start with 600 mg daily (3x200mg) increasing by 200 mg/day at three-day intervals until control is achieved. This is generally within the range 1,000 to 2,000 mg/day, (i.e. 20 to 30 mg/kg/day).
• BD with food
• 2-6 weeks to show max effect

Side effects

• pain
• fever
• N/V/D/C
• headache
• sedation/fatigue