Lamictal (Lamotrigine)

Do's

• The dosage of Lamictal is based on the individual's medical condition, response to treatment, and other medications being taken.
• For children, the dosage is also based on weight.
• Follow your healthcare provider's dosing instructions exactly, as the dose must be increased slowly.
• It may take several weeks or months to reach the best dose for an individual and to get the full benefit from the medication.Lamictal may be taken with or without food. Take it regularly to obtain the most benefit from it, and try to take it at the same time(s) each day to help remember.
• If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as possible, but if it's almost time for the next dose, the missed dose should be skipped.
• Do not stop taking Lamictal without consulting a healthcare provider, as some conditions may worsen when the drug is suddenly stopped. The dose may need to be gradually decreased, and if the medication is stopped for any reason, it should not be restarted without consulting a healthcare provider.
• If switching to Lamictal from another seizure medication, carefully follow your healthcare provider’s instructions about the timing and dosage of the medication.

Common Side Effects: 

• Ataxia
• Skin rash
• Headache
• Insomnia
• Nausea
• Infection
• Dyspepsia
• Abnormal gait
• Constipation
• Drowsiness

Serious Side Effects: 

• Double vision
• Increased seizures
• Irregular heartbeat
• Loss of consciousness
• Coma

Other Possible Side Effects:

•  Sleep problems (insomnia)

This is not an exhaustive list of side effects, and individuals should consult their healthcare provider for comprehensive information about potential side effects and any concerns they may have.

Lamictal can cause serious skin rashes that can be life-threatening. Patients should be advised to report any signs of rash to their healthcare provider immediately.

Prior to initiation of treatment with Lamictal, patients should be informed that excessive immune activation may occur and that they should report signs or symptoms such as fever, rash, or lymphadenopathy to a healthcare provider immediately.

Patients should be informed about the potential for multiorgan hypersensitivity reactions and acute organ failure. They should seek medical attention if they experience symptoms such as fever, rash, or swollen lymph nodes.

Lamotrigine is an inhibitor of renal tubular secretion via organic cationic transporter 2 (OCT2) proteins. This may result in increased plasma levels of certain drugs that are substantially excreted via this route. Coadministration of Lamictal with OCT2 substrates with a narrow therapeutic index (e.g., dofetilide) is not recommended

Lamictal should ordinarily be discontinued at the first sign of rash, unless the rash is clearly not drug-related. Discontinuation of treatment may not prevent a rash from becoming life-threatening or permanently disabling or disfiguring. If a decision is made to discontinue therapy with Lamictal, a step-wise reduction of dose over at least 2 weeks is recommended unless safety concerns require a more rapid withdrawal.

Always consult your healthcare provider for comprehensive information about warnings and precautions associated with Lamictal.