The FDA has approved a new drug called Subvenite (lamotrigine) for several uses. For epilepsy, Subvenite can be used along with other medicines to treat partial onset seizures, primary generalized tonic clonic seizures, and seizures linked to Lennox Gastaut syndrome in people age 2 and older. It is also approved as a single medicine for adults age 16 and older with partial onset seizures who are switching from certain other seizure drugs. For bipolar disorder, Subvenite is approved for maintenance treatment of bipolar I disorder to help delay mood episodes in people who have been treated for acute episodes with standard therapy.
This approval means that patients now have another option for managing these conditions. Subvenite is not a cure, but it may help control seizures and prevent future mood episodes in bipolar disorder. It is important to note that Subvenite has not been shown to work for acute manic or mixed episodes. Patients should talk to their doctor to see if Subvenite is right for them and to understand possible side effects and dosing instructions.
