Posted by undopaminergic on May 1, 2008, at 5:57:46
In reply to Re: Lamictal and melanin binding, posted by bulldog2 on April 27, 2008, at 18:15:03
> > I'm concerned about the possible long-term effects of melanin binding while taking Lamictal. I don't understand what exactly it means, but from what I've read there is concern that melanin-binding in the iris of the eye may affect eyesight in the long run. I don't know how or why this would happen though. Does it increase the risk of skin cancer or anything like that? Should I take particular care to wear sunscreen and UV filtered shades? I remember the last time I was taking Lamictal my skin changed colour slightly, and one person accused me of using sunbeds becuase I looked as if I had a tan (it was the middle of an English winter). I don't know if this had anything to do with Lamictal, but it was strange. Another explanation is that I was slightly jaundiced.
> >
> > I'd appreciate it if anyone had further information/theories etc.
> >
> > Q
>
> My feeling is that there is the potential for long term damage to the eyes and only time will. The fact that there are severe skin reactions tells me that the skin becomes more senstive to the sun. This could make one's eyes more likely to get cataracts.
>The transparent components of the eye (cornea, lens, and aqueous and vitreous chambers) contain no melanin, and hence the risk of accumulation of lamotrigine in these tissues is minimal. On the other hand, one might speculate that deposits of the drug in the iris could, perhaps in combination with light (visible or UV), contribute to the formation of toxic metabolic products that might in turn cause damage to adjacent tissues.
An issue that has never been discussed, to my knowledge, is the potential for lamotrigine accumulation in melanin-containing nervous tissues - in particular, dopaminergic and adrenergic neurons. Might lamotrigine increase the risk of Parkinson's disease, or alternatively, reduce it?
poster:undopaminergic
thread:825835
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/neuro/20080418/msgs/826550.html