Tag: Aseptic meningitis

In 2010, the FDA issued a safety warning regarding lamotrigine (brand name Lamictal) after identifying 40 reported cases of aseptic meningitis between 1994 and 2009. This rare but serious side effect, characterized by inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, can in some instances lead to complications like brain swelling.

While uncommon at therapeutic doses, lamotrigine toxicity, typically from an overdose, has been shown to cause severe intracranial hypertension in case studies. This serious risk is distinct from the medication's common, mild side effects and requires immediate medical attention.

While most meningitis cases are viral or bacterial, a rare adverse drug reaction called drug-induced aseptic meningitis (DIAM) can also occur. Several classes of drugs have been reported to cause meningitis, notably nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, and intravenous immunoglobulins.

In some clinical trials, headaches were reported by up to 29% of patients taking lamotrigine, making it one of the most common side effects [1.6.6]. The question of *can lamotrigine cause headaches* is a frequent concern for those prescribed this medication for epilepsy or bipolar disorder [1.6.5, 1.8.5].

While amoxicillin is one of the most widely prescribed antibiotics, cases of amoxicillin-induced aseptic meningitis (AIAM), which can cause a stiff neck, are exceptionally rare, with fewer than 30 cases reported in the literature. This serious but reversible adverse reaction is often associated with other meningitis-like symptoms, making it a critical, albeit uncommon, safety consideration for patients taking the medication.