This first section of our medication database entry focuses on basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits, while part two covers side effects, interactions and additional information.
Or click here for clinical trials research information on lamictal.
Lamictal Consumer Information
LAMICTAL
Generic Name: lamotrigine (la MOE tri geen)
Brand Names: Lamictal
What is the most important information I should know about lamotrigine?
- In rare cases, lamotrigine has been associated with severe and/or life-threatening rashes and hypersensitivity reactions. Seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately if you develop any skin rash; fever; hives; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; sores in the mouth or around the eyes; or swollen lymph glands.
- Seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately if you experience increasing frequency or worsening of seizures during treatment with lamotrigine.
- Do not stop taking lamotrigine without first talking to your doctor, even if you feel better. It is important to continue taking lamotrigine to prevent symptoms from recurring. Stopping lamotrigine suddenly may result in increased seizure frequency or a return of symptoms of bipolar disorder. If the medication needs to be stopped, your doctor may need to lower the dosage gradually.
- Carry or wear a medical identification tag to let others know that you are taking this medicine in the case of an emergency.
- Lamotrigine may cause drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, or poor coordination. Do not drive, operate dangerous machinery, or perform other hazardous activities until you know how lamotrigine affects you. If you experience drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, or poor coordination, avoid these activities.
What is lamotrigine?
- The exact way that lamotrigine works is unknown. However, it is believed that lamotrigine affects chemicals in the brain involved in seizures and in bipolar disorder.
- Lamotrigine is used alone or in combination with other medications in the treatment of seizures. Lamotrigine is also used in the treatment of bipolar disorder.
- Lamotrigine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking lamotrigine?
- In rare cases, lamotrigine has been associated with severe and/or life-threatening rashes and hypersensitivity reactions. Seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately if you develop any skin rash; fever; hives; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; sores in the mouth or around the eyes; or swollen lymph glands.
- Before taking lamotrigine, tell your doctor if you have heart, liver, or kidney disease or other serious medical problems. You may not be able to take lamotrigine, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.
- Lamotrigine is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether lamotrigine will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
- Lamotrigine passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing infant. Do not take lamotrigine without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take lamotrigine?
- Take lamotrigine exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
- Take each oral dose of lamotrigine with a full glass of water.
- Swallow the regular (nonchewable) lamotrigine tablets whole. The tablets may have a very bitter taste if chewed, crushed, or broken.
- The chewable, dispersible tablets can be swallowed whole, chewed, or mixed in water or diluted fruit juice. If you chew these tablets, drink a small amount of water or diluted fruit juice to aid in swallowing. To disperse these tablets, add the tablet(s) to a small amount of liquid (1 teaspoon or enough to cover the medication) in a glass or spoon. Approximately 1 minute later, when the tablet is completely dispersed, mix the solution and take the entire amount immediately.
- Lamotrigine can be taken with or without food.
- It is important to take lamotrigine regularly to get the most benefit.
- The dose of lamotrigine must be increased slowly. It may be several weeks or months before the optimal dose can be determined.
- Do not stop taking lamotrigine without first talking to your doctor, even if you feel better. It is important to continue taking lamotrigine to prevent symptoms from recurring. Stopping lamotrigine suddenly may result in increased seizure frequency or a return of symptoms of bipolar disorder. If the medication needs to be stopped, your doctor may need to lower the dosage gradually.
- If treatment with lamotrigine is stopped for any reason, contact your doctor before restarting the medication. A lower dose may be needed to prevent side effects from occurring.
- Do not take more of this medication than is prescribed by your doctor.
- Your doctor may want you to have blood tests or other medical evaluations during treatment with lamotrigine to monitor progress and side effects.
- Carry or wear a medical identification tag to let others know that you are taking this medicine in the case of an emergency.
- Store this medication at room temperature away from light and moisture.
What happens if I miss a dose?
- Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.
What happens if I overdose?
- Seek emergency medical treatment.
- Symptoms of a lamotrigine overdose include dizziness, drowsiness, headache, increased seizures, and unconsciousness.
What should I avoid while taking lamotrigine?
- Do not drink alcohol while taking lamotrigine. Alcohol may increase drowsiness or dizziness caused by lamotrigine. Alcohol may also increase the risk of seizures.
- Lamotrigine may cause drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, or poor coordination. Do not drive, operate dangerous machinery, or perform other hazardous activities until you know how lamotrigine affects you. If you experience drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, or poor coordination, avoid these activities.
Please see the end of this document for relevant limitations, full details of our medication information supplier, and revision date or version number.