Pharmacology · Antiepileptics and CNS Drugs (Antipsychotics, Antidepressants, Sedatives)

Lamotrigine's primary mechanism of antiepileptic action is:

  • A Blockade of voltage-gated sodium channels by binding preferentially to the inactivated state
  • B Enhancement of GABA-A receptor chloride conductance
  • C Inhibition of GABA transaminase enzyme
  • D Selective agonism at GABA-B receptors
Correct answer: A. Blockade of voltage-gated sodium channels by binding preferentially to the inactivated state

Explanation

Lamotrigine blocks voltage-gated sodium channels by preferentially binding to and stabilizing the inactivated state of the channel, preventing repetitive neuronal firing. It also inhibits release of glutamate and aspartate. This state-dependent sodium channel blockade is shared with phenytoin and carbamazepine. Vigabatrin inhibits GABA transaminase; valproate and benzodiazepines enhance GABA activity; baclofen is a GABA-B agonist.

Reference: KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, 8th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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