Clinical Trial of Lamotrigine to Reverse Cognitive Impairment in Chronic Corticosteroid-Treated Patients

The purpose of this study is to determine if lamotrigine therapy is associated with improvement in mood, memory and hippocampal size and function in patients receiving chronic corticosteroid therapy. Standard care for mood changes associated with corticosteroid therapy, if severe, includes antidepressants or other medications which can influence mood. No therapies, other than dose reduction or discontinuation, are currently available for memory loss associated with corticosteroid treatment. However, very little information is available on the treatment of either mood or memory changes associated with corticosteroid treatment, thus the proposed project may improve standard care.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Current Corticosteroid Use of 7 mg or more for 6+ months
• 18-65 years of age

Exclusion Criteria:

• Primarily non-English speaking
• Pregnant/nursing woman
• Currently taking Depakote
• Currently taking Rifampin
• Has diagnosis of major depressive disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, bipolar I or bipolar II (not related to corticosteroid use)
• Diseases with CNS involvement
• Is to start a brief steroid taper
• History of Alcohol/drug abuse/dependence