Lamotrigine

Brand Name: Apo-Lamotrigine Gen-Lamotrigine Lamictal Novo-Lamotrigine PMS-Lamotrigine ratio-Lamotrigine

Prescription Needed: Yes

What is this drug used for?

Lamotrigine is a medication used to prevent seizures (also known as an anticonvulsant). It is used alone or in combination with other drugs to treat seizures in patients with epilepsy. It can also be used to treat manic-depressive disorder.

Is there any reason not to take this drug?

You should not use this drug if you are allergic to it. Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

  • problems with your heart kidneys or liver
  • thalassemia (red blood cell disorder)

What about possible side effects?

The following are common side effects that are dose related. This means that adjusting the dose (decreasing the dose or altering the dosing schedule) may help avoid or alleviate the side effect(s):

  • clumsiness or unsteadiness
  • double vision
  • blurred vision
  • rash
  • poor coordination

Other less common side effects include:

  •  bruising
  • flu-like symptoms
  • nausea
  • sore throat
  • swelling of the face

Call your doctor immediately if you develop an unexplained rash as it could be a sign of a serious hypersensitivity reaction. This is especially important if you experience a rash along with any of the following: flu-like symptoms a sore throat fever swollen glands or worsening of your seizures.

This is not a complete list of side effects. If you are concerned about these or other unusual symptoms while taking this medication ask your doctor and/or pharmacist for more information and advice.

What if I am taking other drugs?

Always provide your doctor with a list of all other drugs you are taking (including over-the-counter medications and herbal/natural products) as they may interact with and/or may change the safety or effectiveness of either drug. In fact the dose of lamotrigine that your doctor prescribes takes into account any other anticonvulsant medication that you are taking. Tell your doctor specifically if you are taking any of these drugs as these are the most common interactions and he/she may need to make changes or monitor you more closely:

  • valproic acid
  • carbamazepine
  • phenobarbital
  • primidone
  • phenytoin
  • oxcarbazepine
  • antidepressants
  • antipsychotics
  • birth control pills or other female hormone therapy

This is not a complete list of drug interactions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review your list of medications.

Other information

Children: Is used in children. Dosing is based on the child's weight. Children have experienced severe and potentially life-threatening skin rashes to lamotrigine at a higher rate than adults. If your child experiences a rash while on this medication talk to your doctor immediately before administering the next scheduled dose. Unless the rash is clearly not related to lamotrigine (example a diaper rash) your doctor will likely discontinue the lamotrigine.

Seniors: This medicine may be removed from your body more slowly than in younger adults and children. This means that you may require a lower dose to avoid some of the unwanted effects of the drug.

Pregnant women: Safety not established. Talk to your doctor.

Women who are nursing: This drug passes into breast milk. It is not recommended that you breast feed your baby while on this medication. Talk to your doctor.

People who drive or operate machinery: It is important for you to know how your body reacts to this medicine before driving or doing other tasks (e.g. operating machinery) that require you to be alert well coordinated and see well. Lamotrigine may be sedating effect your coordination or cause problems with your eyesight. Talk to your doctor.

Alcohol: Avoid alcohol when taking this drug as it may increase the adverse effects of the drug.

Overdose: A large overdose of this medicine could cause increased sedation vision problems and problems with muscular coordination. If you experience any unusual reactions or if you seriously exceed the recommended dosage call your doctor or 911.

Stopping the drug: Talk to your doctor before you stop taking this drug. Your doctor will likely want you to decrease your dose gradually.

If you miss a dose: Take it as soon as you remember. If your next scheduled dose is coming up within the next 2 hours take the missed dose now and skip the next. Then return to your regular schedule of taking the medicine. Do not take a double dose.

Storage conditions: Closed container; cool dry location away from excess moisture (not in the bathroom) and light; always out of reach of children.

Dietary precautions: None.