Indications 

Lamictal, or lamotrigine, is a medication that serves as both a mood stabilizer for individuals with bipolar disorder and an anticonvulsant for individuals with epilepsy.  

Use in bipolar disorder helps to decrease the frequency of mood episodes, while in epilepsy, it prevents seizures and may be used in combination with other anticonvulsants or as a monotherapy.  

Lamictal falls under the phenyltriazine class of anticonvulsants, and while its exact mode of action is not entirely understood, it is believed to stabilize mood by affecting sodium channels in the brain. The generic form of Lamictal is known as lamotrigine. 

Uses and Dosage 

Prior to starting lamotrigine, read the Medication Guide and Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist, if available. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. 

Administer this medication orally with or without food, as directed by your doctor. Essential to swallow the tablets whole since chewing them may result in a bitter taste. 

Dosage is established based on your medical condition, response to treatment, and any use of interacting drugs. The children’s dose is also weight-based. Please see the Drug Interactions section for more information. 

Adhere precisely to your doctor’s dosing instructions. The dose must be gradually increased. It may take several weeks or months to achieve the most effective dose and realize the full potential of this medication. Take this medication consistently to achieve the best results. To help you remember, take it at the same time every day. 

Do not stop taking this medication without first consulting your doctor. Some conditions may worsen when the drug is abruptly discontinued. Your dosage may need to be decreased gradually. If you have stopped taking this medication, do not resume it without first consulting your doctor. 

Side Effects 

Allergic Reactions

Please seek emergency medical assistance if you experience any of the following allergic reactions or severe skin reactions: 

• Hives 
• Difficulty breathing 
• Swelling in your face or throat 
• Fever 
• Sore throat 
• Burning eyes 
• Skin pain 
• Red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling 

Severe Side Effects

Important to note that if you have to discontinue taking Lamotrigine due to a severe skin rash, you may not be able to take it again in the future. Thus, please report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor, such as: 

• Mood or behavior changes 
• Depression 
• Anxiety 
• Agitation 
• Hostility 
• Restlessness 
• Hyperactivity (mentally or physically) 
• Thoughts of suicide or hurting oneself 

Please contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms: 

• Fast, slow, or pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest 
• Chest pain or shortness of breath 
• Fever, swollen glands, weakness, or severe muscle pain 
• Any skin rash, especially with blistering or peeling 
• Painful sores in your mouth or around your eyes 
• Headache, neck stiffness, increased sensitivity to light, nausea, vomiting, confusion, or drowsiness 
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes) 
• Pale skin, cold hands and feet, easy bruising, or unusual bleeding 

Common Side Effects  

• Headache and dizziness 
• Blurred or double vision 
• Tremors and loss of coordination 
• Dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, or diarrhea 
• Fever, sore throat, or runny nose 
• Drowsiness and tiredness 
• Back pain 
• Sleep problems (insomnia) 

Please consult your healthcare provider if you experience any of these symptoms. 

Caution 

There are several considerations to keep in mind before taking Lamictal. Please consult with your healthcare provider before starting this medication, particularly if you have any of the following conditions: 

• Hypersensitivity to lamotrigine: If you have experienced an allergic reaction to lamotrigine in the past, you should not take Lamictal, as it may result in a serious, potentially life-threatening rash. 
• Pregnancy or planning to conceive: While animal studies suggest that Lamictal may pose a risk to the fetus, such effects have not been observed in humans. Discuss any potential risks and benefits with your healthcare provider, particularly since Lamictal may be necessary in certain cases. 
• Breastfeeding: Lamictal has been shown to pass through breastmilk, discuss any potential risks with your healthcare provider before breastfeeding while taking this medication. 
• History of liver and/or kidney problems: Caution may be necessary in individuals with liver and/or kidney problems, and your healthcare provider may need to adjust your Lamictal dosage accordingly. 
• Other medications: Inform your healthcare provider of any other medications, supplements, or vitamins you are taking, as certain drugs may interact with Lamictal or may not be safe to take in combination with this medication. Specific examples include anticonvulsants like Dilantin (phenytoin), Mysoline (primidone), phenobarbital, and Tegretol (carbamazepine), oral estrogen-containing contraceptives, and valproate. Your healthcare provider may need to adjust your dosage or recommend an alternative medication. 

If you are pregnant or taking hormonal contraceptives while taking Lamictal, your healthcare provider will monitor your lamotrigine serum levels frequently to prevent significant fluctuations and make necessary dosage adjustments.