From the FDA Drug Label
7.2 Drugs Having No Clinically Important Interactions with Aripiprazole Based on pharmacokinetic studies, no dosage adjustment of aripiprazole is required when administered concomitantly with ... lamotrigine
The use of Abilify (aripiprazole) with Lamictal (lamotrigine) does not require a dosage adjustment of aripiprazole, as there are no clinically important interactions between the two drugs, according to the drug label 1.
From the Research
Abilify (aripiprazole) and Lamictal (lamotrigine) should be used with caution together, as the combination may increase the risk of severe side effects such as akathisia, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts, as reported in a case study published in 2015 2. When considering the use of Abilify and Lamictal together, it is essential to weigh the potential benefits against the risks. The combination may be effective for certain psychiatric conditions like bipolar disorder, but patients should be closely monitored for potential side effects.
- Key considerations include:
- Starting Lamictal at a lower dose and gradually increasing it to reduce the risk of serious skin rashes
- Monitoring patients for increased sedation, dizziness, or headaches
- Regular follow-up appointments to adjust dosages as needed and check for potential side effects
- Blood tests to monitor liver function and medication levels, especially with Lamictal While other studies have investigated the use of aripiprazole in combination with mood stabilizers for the treatment of bipolar disorder 3, or its efficacy in refractory mood disorders 4, or as a treatment for acute bipolar depression and maintenance therapy of bipolar disorder 5, the most recent and relevant study to this specific question highlights the potential risks of combining Abilify and Lamictal 2. Additionally, a study from 2009 found that aripiprazole had no meaningful effect on lamotrigine steady-state pharmacokinetics, suggesting that no dosage adjustment of lamotrigine is required when co-administered with aripiprazole 6. However, this pharmacokinetic study does not address the clinical safety concerns raised by the case study published in 2015 2.