| USED FOR:
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Tonic-clonic (grand mal), myoclonic, atonic, or tonic seizures |
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Absence seizures |
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Partial seizures |
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Lennox-Gastaut syndrome |
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Add-on drug, but may be used as a single treatment in some patients. |
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Not approved for use in children under aged 18. |
PRECAUTIONS:
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Inform your doctor if you have liver, kidney, or heart problems. |
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Tell your doctor if you consume alcohol on a regular basis. |
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Refrain from activities requiring mental alertness or physical coordination (e.g. operating hazardous machines, driving) until you are sure that lamotrigine does not affect you. |
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Skin-related problems may occur that should be reported to your doctor. |
POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS:
Depending on the individual, side effects may occur at varying degrees or not at all, including:
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fatigue |
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double or blurred vision |
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loss of coordination |
- |
nausea |
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headaches |
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vomiting |
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dizziness |
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weakness |
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drowsiness |
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worsening of seizures |
Allergic Reaction/Idiosyncratic - skin rash (if you notice a rash, seek immediate medical help) - Incidence of rash higher with high initial dose of lamotrigine, or when taken with valproic acid, or by children.
If you notice any other unusual or bothersome side effects while taking lamotrigine, consult your physician.
DRUG INTERACTIONS:
| - |
Valproic acid decreases elimination of lamotrigine. |
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Phenobarbital, primidone, phenytoin, and carbamazepine decrease the blood concentration of lamotrigine. |
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No known interaction with oral contraceptives have been reported from lamotrigine alone. |
Inform your doctor and pharmacist of any other medicines (prescription and nonprescription) or substances you are taking.
DAILY DOSAGE:
| - |
Dosage will vary depending on your age and which other anti-epileptic drugs you are taking. |
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Very slow escalation to maintenance dose. |
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Regimen is subject to clinical evaluation of each patient. |
FORMS:
Tablets - 25, 100 and 150 mg.
TIPS FOR USING LAMOTRIGINE (Lamictal®):
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Lamotrigine may be taken with or without food. |
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If you develop fever, rash, swollen lymph nodes, hives, sore mouth, sore eyes or swelling of lips or tongue, particularly in the first 6 weeks of taking lamotrigine, contact your doctor immediately. |
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If your seizures get worse, tell your doctor immediately. |
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If you notice any bothersome or unusual side effects, check with your doctor or pharmacist right away. |
MISSED DOSE:
If you happen to miss a dose, do not try to make up for it by doubling up on the dose next time. Just take your regularly scheduled dose and try not to miss any more. If you skip a day, inform your doctor.
STORAGE:
Store at room temperature (15 to 30oC), protect from light heat and moisture and keep out of reach of children.
IN PREGNANCY:
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Anti-epileptic medications do slightly increase the risk of fetal abnormalities |
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Women who are considering pregnancy should first consult their doctor |
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Breast feeding is not recommended while on lamotrigine. |
WARNING:
Abrupt withdrawal of any anti-epileptic medication may trigger status epilepticus, a potentially fatal condition of continued seizures without recovery. When there is a need for reduction, discontinuation or substitution of the medication, this should be done gradually and under the physician's care.
MORE INFORMATION YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR MEDICATION
CREDIT:
This drug fact sheet has been reviewed by the pharmacists of the Ontario Pharmacists' Association Drug Information and Research Centre (DIRC).
DISCLAIMER:
The material offered on the website of Epilepsy Toronto is to provide general information about epilepsy to the public. It is not intended to be taken as personal medical advice. Epilepsy Toronto, its employees, Board members, Medical Advisors, volunteers, agents and sponsors do not assume responsibility for inaccuracies or omissions or for consequences from the use of information obtained over this site or any links accessed through this site, and is not liable for any outcome or damages resulting from information in its content in either an indirect or direct form. We recognize that each individual's experience of epilepsy is different. Consult your physician and/or neurologist with any questions you have.
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