Lamictal
Generic Name: Lamotrigine
What is Lamictal?
Lamictal is used in combination with other medicines to treat certain types of seizures in adults and children ≥2 years.Lamictal is also used for maintenance treatment of bipolar disorder to help prevent mood swings in adults ≥18 years.
What is the most important information I should know about Lamictal?
Lamictal may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior. If you experience signs and symptoms of depression, unusual changes in mood or behavior, or thoughts of suicide, contact your doctor immediately.Rarely, serious and possibly fatal rashes have been reported with the use of Lamictal. Although most patients who develop a rash while receiving Lamictal have mild to moderate symptoms, some individuals may develop a serious skin reaction that requires hospitalization. Because of this risk, it is important to contact your doctor immediately at the first sign of a rash. These serious skin reactions are most likely to happen within the first 8 weeks of treatment and occur more often in children than adults.
Lamictal may cause severe allergic reactions. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any signs of an allergic reaction such as fever, hives, rash, or swelling.
Lamictal may cause blood problems to develop.
Do not stop taking Lamictal without consulting your doctor as this can cause more seizures to develop.
Let your doctor know if you plan to start or stop taking oral birth control pills as this can affect the amount of Lamictal in your body, which may require dose adjustments.
Lamictal may cause serious drowsiness. Do not drive or operate dangerous machinery until you know how Lamictal will affect you.
Who should not take Lamictal?
Do not take Lamictal if you are allergic to the medication or any of its ingredients.What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Lamictal?
Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Lamictal. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have kidney, liver, or heart problems, if you are taking or plan to start oral birth control pills, if you have a blood disorder, or if you have depression, thoughts of harming yourself, or committing suicide.What is the usual dosage?
The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.Adults and children: Your doctor will prescribe the appropriate dose for you.
How should I take Lamictal?
Take Lamictal exactly as prescribed. Do not stop taking Lamictal without talking to your doctor first. Stopping Lamictal suddenly may cause serious side effects.Swallow Lamictal tablets whole.
Place Lamictal ODT on the tongue and move around the mouth. The tablet will rapidly disintegrate. Lamictal ODT can be swallowed with or without water and can be taken with or without food.
Lamictal is also available as chewable dispersible tablets (Lamictal CD) that may be swallowed whole, chewed, or mixed in water or diluted fruit juice. If chewing them, drink some water to help in swallowing. To mix in liquid, add the tablets to a small amount of water or juice (1 teaspoon or enough to cover the tablets) in a glass. Wait at least 1 minute and then mix the solution and take the entire amount at once.
What should I avoid while taking Lamictal?
Do not stop taking Lamictal without talking to your doctor first. Stopping Lamictal suddenly may cause serious side effects.Do not start or stop taking oral birth control pills while taking Lamictal unless you have discussed with your doctor any dose adjustments that might be necessary.
Do not drive or operate dangerous machinery until you know if Lamictal affects your ability to perform these tasks.
What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Lamictal?
If Lamictal is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Lamictal with the following: carbamazepine, estrogen-containing birth control pills, medicines that inhibit folic acid metabolism, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone, rifampin, topiramate, and valproate.What are the possible side effects of Lamictal?
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.Side effects may include: rash, blurred or double vision, fever, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache, tremor, abdominal pain, lack of coordination, back pain, sleepiness, tiredness, trouble sleeping, dry mouth
Can I receive Lamictal if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
The effects of Lamictal during pregnancy and breastfeeding are unknown. Lamictal can pass into breast milk. Tell your doctor immediately if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.What should I do if I miss a dose of Lamictal?
If you miss a dose of Lamictal, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and return to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at once.How should I store Lamictal?
Store at room temperature and protect from moisture.
I'm Kristen Dore, PharmD. Welcome to PDR Health!
