Why it is Prescribed
Lamotrigine is used to treat certain types of seizures in patients who have epilepsy or Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (a disorder that causes seizures and often causes developmental delays). Lamotrigine is also used to increase the time between episodes of depression, mania (frenzied or abnormally excited mood), and other abnormal moods in patients with bipolar I disorder (manic depressive disorder; a disease that causes episodes of depression, episodes of mania, and other abnormal moods). Lamotrigine has not been shown to be effective when people experience the actual episodes of depression or mania, so other medications must be used to help people recover from these episodes. Lamotrigine is in a class of medications called anticonvulsants. It works by decreasing abnormal excitement in the brain.
Important Warning
Lamotrigine may cause serious rashes that may need to be treated in a hospital or cause permanent disability ...
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Why it is Prescribed
Lamotrigine is used to treat certain types of seizures in patients who have epilepsy or Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (a disorder that causes seizures and often causes developmental delays). Lamotrigine is also used to increase the time between episodes of depression, mania (frenzied or abnormally excited mood), and other abnormal moods in patients with bipolar I disorder (manic depressive disorder; a disease that causes episodes of depression, episodes of mania, and other abnormal moods). Lamotrigine has not been shown to be effective when people experience the actual episodes of depression or mania, so other medications must be used to help people recover from these episodes. Lamotrigine is in a class of medications called anticonvulsants. It works by decreasing abnormal excitement in the brain.
Important Warning
Lamotrigine may cause serious rashes that may need to be treated in a hospital or cause permanent disability or death. Tell your doctor if you are taking valproic acid (Depakene) or divalproex (Depakote), because taking these medications with lamotrigine may increase your risk of developing a serious rash.
Your doctor will start you on low dose of lamotrigine and gradually increase your dose, not more than once every 1-2 weeks. You may be more likely to develop a serious rash if you take a higher starting dose or increase your dose faster than your doctor tells you that you should. Be sure to take lamotrigine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
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How it Works
Lamotrigine comes as a regular tablet and a chewable dispersible (can be chewed or dissolved in liquid) tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once or twice a day. It is sometimes taken once every other day at the beginning of treatment. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.
There are other medications that have names similar to the brand name for lamotrigine. You should be sure that you receive lamotrigine and not one of the similar medications each time you fill your prescription. Be sure that the prescription your doctor gives you is clear and easy to read. Talk to your pharmacist to be sure that you are given lamotrigine. ...
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Other Uses
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Symptoms of overdose may include:
Precautions
Before taking lamotrigine,
tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to lamotrigine, or any other medications. If you will be taking the chewable dispersible tablets, tell your doctor if you are allergic to sulfa medications or saccharin.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention the medications listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section and methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall); other medications for seizures such as carbamazepine (Tegretol), oxcarbazepine (Trileptal), phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton), phenytoin (Dilantin), and primidone (Mysoline); rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane); and trimethoprim (Proloprim) . Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
tell your doctor if you are taking female ...
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Possible Side Effects
Lamotrigine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
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Special Dietary Concerns
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
Storage Conditions
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature, away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
