What is Lamictal?
Lamictal, or anticonvulsant, is a medication that treats epilepsy.Lamictal alone or in combination with other medications is indicated for the treatment of epileptic seizures, both in children and adults. Lamictal can also be used to delay mood swings in adults with bipolar disorder (manic depression).Lamictal with immediate release can be added to other seizure medications for children as young as 2 years of age. This form is not to be used by a child or teen younger than 16 as a sole medication.Lamictal XR Extended Release is only for adults and children over 13 years of age.
Warnings
Lamictal can cause severe or even life-threatening skin rashes. This is especially true for children, people taking a high dose of the drug, and those who are also taking Valproic Acid (Depakene) or Divalproex Depakote. Seek immediate medical attention if your skin has rashes, hives, or blisters.If you experience any other serious side effects, such as a fever, swollen lymph glands, severe pain in the muscles, unusual bruising, yellowing skin or eyes, a headache or neck stiffness, or if you notice confusion or an increased sensitivity to lights, call your doctor immediately.Lamotrigine can cause suicidal thoughts in some people. Be alert to any changes in mood or symptoms. Notify your doctor of any new symptoms or symptoms that worsen.Even if you are feeling fine, do not stop taking Lamictal before consulting your doctor. If you suddenly stop taking this medication, your seizures may increase. If your seizures worsen or occur more frequently while you are taking this medication, contact your doctor. This medication can increase the chance of a baby being born with a cleft lip or palate if taken during early pregnancy. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or if pregnancy occurs during treatment.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to lamotrigine, then lamictal should be avoided.Lamictal can cause severe, even life-threatening, skin reactions, especially when taken by children, those taking a high dose at first, and people taking valproic (Depakene), divalproex (Depakote), or both.
Inform your doctor immediately of any of the following conditions:
- A rash or an allergic reaction following the use of another seizure drug;
- Kidney or liver disease
- Heart problems, such as irregular heartbeats or heart block.
- Depression, thoughts of suicide, or suicidal actions
- After taking Lamictal, you may develop meningitis. This is an inflammation of the tissues that cover the brain and spinal cord.
Lamotrigine can cause suicidal thoughts in some people. You will be required to visit your doctor regularly in order for him or her to monitor your progress. You or your family members should be aware of any changes in mood or symptoms.Don't start or stop seizure medications during pregnancy without consulting your doctor. A seizure could be harmful to both mother and child. Inform your doctor immediately if you fall pregnant.You may find your name on a registry for pregnant women to track the effects lamotrigine has on the child.Birth control pills may make lamotrigine ineffective, leading to increased seizures. Inform your doctor when you stop or start taking birth control pills. You may need to adjust the lamotrigine dosage.Breastfeeding may not be possible while taking this medication. You should consult your doctor if you are concerned about any risks.
How to take Lamictal?
Follow the instructions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Read all the instructions and directions that come with your prescription. Sometimes your doctor will change the dose.If you take too much Lamictal during the first few weeks of treatment, your risk of a life-threatening rash increases.Your doctor may want to perform frequent blood tests in order to ensure that you are receiving the correct dose.Extended release and instant release can be used to treat different conditions. Check your refills regularly to ensure you are receiving the correct colour, size, and shape of tablet. Use only the strength and form prescribed by your doctor to avoid medication errors.Follow your doctor's instructions regarding the dosage and timing of Lamictal if you are switching from another seizure medication.The tablets of Lamictal should be swallowed in their entirety. No part should be chewed, crushed, or broken off the plant.The chewable tablets of Lamictal can be mixed with fruit juice, water, or swallowed.Please read and follow all instructions for use that come with orally disintegrating tablets or dispersibles. If the instructions of any medication don't make sense to you, make an appointment to see your pharmacist or physician immediately. If anything remains unclear to you after consulting either professional, get clarification immediately from them.Even if you are feeling fine, do not suddenly stop taking this medication. Sudden stopping may increase seizures.Your doctor is your best resource in regards to decreasing your dosage.Wear or carry medical identification in case of an emergency to alert others that you are taking seizure medications.You may get false results if you use lamotrigine. Inform the lab staff that you are using lamotrigine.Store away from moisture and light at room temperature.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are almost due for your next dose, skip the missed one. Never take two doses of the same medicine at once.Refill your prescription before you run out.
What happens if I overdose?
Contact 1-800-222-1222 immediately in case of poisoning and seek immediate medical advice.Overdose symptoms include blurred vision or coordination problems, seizures that are more severe, or feeling faint.
What should be avoided?
Do not drive or engage in hazardous activities until you have determined how the medicine will affect you. You may be unable to react properly.
Side effects of Lamictal
If you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction to Lamictal, such as hives (or difficulty breathing) or severe skin reactions (fever or burning eyes or skin, sore neck or skin pain or blistering, or a red or purple rash with blistering or peeling), then seek emergency medical attention.You may be prohibited from taking lamotrigine again if you stop using it because of an allergic reaction.You should tell your doctor if any symptoms worsen or change, including depression, anxiety, or feeling agitated, hostile, or restless.
If you experience:
- Fast, slow, pounding, or fluttering heartbeats;
- Shortness of breath, chest pain
- Fever, swollen glands, weakness, and severe muscle pain;
- Any skin rash, particularly blistering or peeling
- You may experience painful sores around the eyes or in your mouth.
- Headache, neck stiffness, and increased sensitivity to the light
- Jaundice
- Pale skin, cold feet and hands, easy bruises, unusual bleeding
Some of the common lamictal side effects include:
- Headache, dizziness;
- Double vision, or blurred vision, is another name for this phenomenon.
- Tremors, loss of coordination
- Dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhoea;
- A runny nose, a fever
- Drowsiness or tiredness
- Backache
- Sleep problems (insomnia).
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA Reach out to the FDA directly by dialing 1-800-FDA-1088 in order to report side effects.
Interaction with other drug
Certain medications should never be taken together without first consulting with a healthcare provider.Some drugs may affect the blood levels of the drugs you are taking, which can increase side effects and make them less effective. You should tell your doctor if any of these medications may interfere with Lamictal.
- Anti-epileptic drugs such as valproic, divalproex, carbamazepine, or phenytoin
- Antibiotics such as rifampin
- Birth control pills, also referred to as oral contraceptives, provide effective protection from pregnancy.
- HIV medications such as lopinavir/ritonavir and atazanavir/lopinavir
Lamotrigine may interact with other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, herbal products, vitamins, and supplements. Tell your doctor if you are taking any new or different medicines.
