Indications 

Lamictal DC is a prescription medicine used as a monotherapy or in combination with other drugs for the management of epileptic seizures in adult and pediatric patients.  

Moreover, Lamictal DC is used to postpone mood episodes in adults diagnosed with bipolar disorder (manic depression). 

Lamictal DC falls within the category of anticonvulsant or antiepileptic drugs. Its exact mode of action remains unknown but is believed to work by rebalancing specific natural compounds within the brain. 

Uses and Dosage 

Read the accompanying medication guide and patient information leaflet of Lamictal DC before taking them for the first time and with each prescription refill. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or need further information. 

The appropriate dosage of Lamictal DC is determined based on the patient’s medical condition, age, response to the treatment, and any concurrent medications. 

Adhere precisely to your doctor’s dosing guidance. The dosage should be gradually escalated, and it might require several weeks or months to achieve the optimal dose and experience the full therapeutic effects of this medication. 

Lamictal DC is available as a dispersible-chewable tablet that can be ingested whole, chewed, or dissolved in water or fruit juice. 

If you opt to chew the tablets, drink a small amount of water or juice to ensure complete ingestion of the medication.  

To disperse the tablets, add the prescribed dose to a sufficient amount of liquid, ensuring it covers the medication, and allow it to dissolve for one minute. Stir the mixture and promptly consume the entire liquid. Only use whole tablets; do not use partial ones. 

Consult your doctor before discontinuing Lamictal DC. Abruptly stopping this medication may exacerbate certain conditions. Gradual dose reduction may be necessary.  

Furthermore, refrain from restarting this medication without your doctor’s guidance if you have previously stopped taking it. 

Side Effects 

Common Side Effects 

• Headache, dizziness 
• Blurred or double vision 
• Tremor, loss of coordination 
• Dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea 
• Fever, sore throat, runny nose 
• Drowsiness, tired feeling 
• Back pain 
• Sleep problems  

Inform your doctor if any of the above-listed common side effects persist or worsen. 

Serious Side Effects 

• Rapid, slow, or irregular heartbeats, palpitations 
• Chest pain, breathing difficulties 
• Fever, swollen glands, severe muscle pain, weakness 
• Skin rash, particularly with blistering or peeling 
• Painful sores around the eyes or in the mouth 
• Headache, neck stiffness, heightened sensitivity to light, nausea, confusion, drowsiness 
• Jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes) 
• Pale skin, cold extremities, easy bruising, unusual bleeding 

Contact your doctor immediately if any of the above-listed serious side effects arise. 

Inform your doctor of any new or exacerbated symptoms, including changes in mood or behavior, feelings of depression, anxiety, agitation, hostility, restlessness, hyperactivity (mentally or physically), or thoughts about self-harm or suicide. 

Skin Reactions 

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms of a severe skin reaction while taking Lamictal DC, such as: 

• Fever 
• Sore throat 
• Burning eyes 
• Skin pain or a red or purple rash with blistering and peeling 

Allergic Reactions 

Although rare, a severe allergic reaction to Lamictal DC can occur. Immediate medical assistance should be sought if any of the following symptoms manifest: 

• Difficult breathing 
• Swelling in the face or throat 
• Hives 

This list does not include all potential side effects of Lamictal DC. Inform your doctor should any unlisted effects arise. 

Cautions 

Before starting treatment with Lamictal DC, inform your doctor if you have any known allergies, particularly to lamotrigine or any of the ingredients in this dispersible-chewable tablet. 

To ensure Lamictal DC is safe for you, disclose to your doctor your medical background, especially if you have a history of: 

• Renal impairment 
• Hepatic conditions 
• Cardiac issues (e.g., irregular heartbeat, heart block, heart failure) 

Lamictal DC may have interactions with certain products such as dofetilide and orlistat. To mitigate the risk of interactions, disclose all your medications, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements, to your doctor. 

Various medications can impact the elimination of Lamictal DC from your system, potentially altering its effectiveness. Your doctor might need to modify your Lamictal DC dosage if you are taking these medications: 

• Hormonal birth control (e.g., pills, patches) 
• Estrogens 
• Other seizure medications (e.g., phenobarbital, primidone, valproic acid), 
• Rifampin 
• Ritonavir 

Review the labels of all your medications (e.g., allergy or cough-and-cold products), as they might contain ingredients inducing drowsiness. Consult your pharmacist for guidance on using these products safely. 

Moreover, inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are using other products that induce drowsiness, including: 

• Alcohol 
• Marijuana (cannabis) 
• Antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine and diphenhydramine) 
• Sleep or anxiety medications (e.g., alprazolam, diazepam, zolpidem)  
• Muscle relaxants 
• Opioid pain relievers (e.g., codeine) 

Lamictal DC has the potential to disrupt specific lab tests, particularly urine drug screening tests, leading to inaccurate results. Inform laboratory staff and your healthcare providers about your use of this medication. 

The use of Lamictal DC may result in drowsiness or dizziness. Avoid driving vehicles or handling machinery until you understand how this medication affects your body. 

Treatment with Lamictal DC can lead to a severe or life-threatening skin rash, particularly in children or individuals taking a very high initial dose or concurrently using valproic acid (Depakene) or divalproex (Depakote). 

In the event of discontinuing Lamictal DC due to a severe skin rash, future use may be contraindicated. 

Lamictal DC should only be used if absolutely necessary during pregnancy and only after consulting with your doctor to understand the associated risks and benefits. 

Lamictal DC can reduce the efficacy of hormonal birth control methods, potentially leading to pregnancy. Consult your healthcare provider for more information and consider using additional reliable contraception while on this medication.  

Notify your doctor if you experience any new spotting or breakthrough bleeding, as these could indicate a decrease in the effectiveness of your birth control. 

Disclose to your doctor if you are currently engaged in breastfeeding. Should you choose to breastfeed while undergoing treatment with Lamictal DC, your baby may receive some lamotrigine through breast milk. Monitor your baby for any signs of unusual sleepiness, interrupted breathing, or poor sucking.