Lamictal (Lamotrigine)

What is the most important information I should know about Lamictal?

• In rare cases, Lamictal has been associated with severe and/ or life-threatening rashes and hypersensitivity reactions. Seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately if you develop any skin rash; fever; hives; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; sores in the mouth or around the eyes; or swollen lymph glands.
• Seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately if you experience increasing frequency or worsening of seizures during treatment with Lamictal.
• Do not stop taking Lamictal without first talking to your doctor, even if you feel better. It is important to continue taking Lamictal to prevent symptoms from recurring. Stopping Lamictal suddenly may result in increased seizure frequency or a return of symptoms of bipolar disorder. If the medication needs to be stopped, your doctor may need to lower the dosage gradually.
• Carry or wear a medical identification tag to let others know that you are taking this medicine in the case of an emergency.
• Lamictal may cause drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, or poor coordination. Do not drive, operate dangerous machinery, or perform other hazardous activities until you know how Lamictal affects you. If you experience drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, or poor coordination, avoid these activities.

What is Lamictal?

• The exact way that Lamictal works is unknown. However, it is believed that Lamictal affects chemicals in the brain involved in seizures and in bipolar disorder.
• Lamictal is used alone or in combination with other medications in the treatment of seizures. Lamictal is also used in the treatment of bipolar disorder.
• Lamictal may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Lamictal?

• In rare cases, Lamictal has been associated with severe and/ or life-threatening rashes and hypersensitivity reactions. Seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately if you develop any skin rash; fever; hives; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; sores in the mouth or around the eyes; or swollen lymph glands.
• Before taking Lamictal, tell your doctor if you have heart, liver, or kidney disease or other serious medical problems. You may not be able to take Lamictal, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.
• Do not start or stop using birth control pills or other female hormonal products until you have consulted your doctor. Tell your doctor as soon as possible if you experience changes in your menstrual pattern (e.g., break-through bleeding) while taking Lamictal and birth control pills or other female hormonal products.
• Lamictal is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether Lamictal will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
• Lamictal passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing infant. Do not take Lamictal without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take Lamictal?

• Take Lamictal exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
• Take each oral dose of Lamictal with a full glass of water.
• Swallow the regular (nonchewable) Lamictal tablets whole. The tablets may have a very bitter taste if chewed, crushed, or broken.
• The chewable, dispersible tablets can be swallowed whole, chewed, or mixed in water or diluted fruit juice. If you chew these tablets, drink a small amount of water or diluted fruit juice to aid in swallowing. To disperse these tablets, add the tablet(s) to a small amount of liquid (1 teaspoon or enough to cover the medication) in a glass or spoon. Approximately 1 minute later, when the tablet is completely dispersed, mix the solution and take the entire amount immediately.
• Lamictal can be taken with or without food.
• It is important to take Lamictal regularly to get the most benefit.
• The dose of Lamictal must be increased slowly. It may be several weeks or months before the optimal dose can be determined.
• Do not stop taking Lamictal without first talking to your doctor, even if you feel better. It is important to continue taking Lamictal to prevent symptoms from recurring. Stopping Lamictal suddenly may result in increased seizure frequency or a return of symptoms of bipolar disorder. If the medication needs to be stopped, your doctor may need to lower the dosage gradually.
• If treatment with Lamictal is stopped for any reason, contact your doctor before restarting the medication. A lower dose may be needed to prevent side effects from occurring.
• Do not take more of this medication than is prescribed by your doctor.
• Your doctor may want you to have blood tests or other medical evaluations during treatment with Lamictal to monitor progress and side effects.
• Carry or wear a medical identification tag to let others know that you are taking this medicine in the case of an emergency.
• Store this medication at room temperature away from light and moisture.

What happens if I miss a dose?

• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

• Seek emergency medical treatment.
• Symptoms of a Lamictal overdose include dizziness, drowsiness, headache, increased seizures, and unconsciousness.

What should I avoid while taking Lamictal?

• Lamictal may cause drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, or poor coordination. Do not drive, operate dangerous machinery, or perform other hazardous activities until you know how Lamictal affects you. If you experience drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, or poor coordination, avoid these activities.

What are the possible side effects of Lamictal?

• In rare cases, Lamictal has been associated with severe and/ or life-threatening rashes and hypersensitivity reactions. Seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately if you develop any skin rash; fever; hives; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; sores in the mouth or around the eyes; or swollen lymph glands.
• Seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately if you experience increasing frequency or worsening of seizures during treatment with Lamictal.
• Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Lamictal and talk to your doctor if you experience
  • dizziness or drowsiness;
  • blurred or double vision;
  • nausea and vomiting;
  • headache; or
  • lack of coordination.
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect Lamictal?

• Lamictal interacts with many other drugs used to treat seizures. Before taking Lamictal, tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking. You may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking Lamictal alone or with other medications to treat seizures. Continue to take all medications prescribed to treat seizures exactly as directed.
• Birth control pills may decrease the amount of Lamictal in the body. A dosage adjustment may be necessary if birth control pills are started or stopped during treatment with Lamictal.
• Lamictal may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety medicines, and muscle relaxants. Dangerous sedation, dizziness, or drowsiness may occur if Lamictal is taken with any of these medications.
• Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Lamictal. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.