Lamictal (Lamotrigine)

General information

Lamictal belongs to a class of medications known as antiepileptics. It is used alone or in combination with other medications for the management of seizures associated with epilepsy when other medications have not been effective or have been stopped. It is also used along with other medications for the management of seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.

Directions

Take Lamictal exactly as prescribed by your doctor. In adults, Lamictal is started at a low dose, ranging from 25 mg every other day to 50 mg once a day. Over a number of weeks, the dose is gradually increased until a maintenance dose is reached, ranging from 50 mg to 250 mg twice a day. In children, lamotrigine is given according to the weight of the child. Lamictal may be taken with or without food. Take it at the same time each day.

Precautions

Before taking Lamictal you should talk with your doctor if you have liver disease, such as liver failure or cirrhosis, kidney disease, including kidney failure (renal failure), heart disease or any heart problems, blood disorder, any allergies. Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy or cause blurred vision. Do not drive or perform tasks that require alertness. Limit alcoholic beverages.

Contraindications

You should not take Lamictal if you are allergic to lamotrigine or to any of the ingredients of the medication.

Possible side effect

Get emergency medical help if you have changes in weight, diarrhea, difficulty sleeping, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, heartburn, nausea, poor appetite, vomiting, weakness, anxiety, confusion, depression, irritability, mood or mental changes, blurred vision, clumsiness, unsteadiness, fever, chills, sore throat, itching, memory loss, red or irritated eyes, yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, fatigue, skin rash, swelling of the hands, feet, ankles. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor.

Drug interactions

Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially: birth control pills, female hormonal treatments (hormone replacement therapy), carbamazepine, divalproex sodium, lopinavir - ritonavir, medications that slow heart rhythms, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone, rifampin, valproic acid. Interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking.

Missed dose

Take the missed dose as soon as possible. Skip the missed dose if it is time for your next scheduled dose. Don't take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose

If you think you have overdosed the medicine seek emergency medical help at once. The overdose symptoms are coordination problems, involuntary eye movements, seizures, unconsciousness, coma, irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia), blurred vision, loss of life.

Storage

Store the medicine at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store the drugs in the bathroom. Keep all drugs away from reach of children and pets.

Note

The information presented at the site has a general character. Note please this information cannot be used for self-treatment and self diagnosis. You should consult with your doctor or health care adviser regarding any specific instructions of your condition. The information is reliable, but we concede it could contain mistakes. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other damage caused by use of this information on the site and also for consequences of self-treatment.