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

• In rare cases, lamotrigine 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 a 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 lamotrigine.
  
  
• Do not stop taking lamotrigine without first talking to your doctor, even if you feel better. It is important to continue taking lamotrigine to prevent symptoms from recurring. Stopping lamotrigine 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.
  
  
• Lamotrigine may cause drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, or poor coordination. Do not drive, operate dangerous machinery, or perform other hazardous activities until you know how lamotrigine affects you. If you experience drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, or poor coordination, avoid these activities.

What is lamotrigine?

• The exact way that lamotrigine works is unknown. However, it is believed that lamotrigine affects chemicals in the brain involved in seizures and bipolar disorder.
  
  
• Lamotrigine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

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

• In rare cases, lamotrigine 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 a rash; fever; hives; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; sores in the mouth or around the eyes; or swollen lymph glands.
  
  
• Before taking lamotrigine, tell your doctor if you have heart, liver, or kidney disease or other serious medical problems. You may not be able to take lamotrigine, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.
  
  
• It is not known whether lamotrigine 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.
  
  
• Lamotrigine passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing infant. Do not take lamotrigine without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take lamotrigine?

• Take lamotrigine 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 lamotrigine with a full glass of water.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• Lamotrigine can be taken with or without food.
  
  
• It is important to take lamotrigine regularly to get the most benefit.
  
  
• Do not stop taking lamotrigine without first talking to your doctor, even if you feel better. It is important to continue taking lamotrigine to prevent symptoms from recurring. Stopping lamotrigine 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 lamotrigine 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 lamotrigine 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 lamotrigine overdose include dizziness, drowsiness, headache, increased seizures, and unconsciousness.

What should I avoid while taking lamotrigine?

• Do not drink alcohol while taking lamotrigine. Alcohol may increase drowsiness or dizziness caused by lamotrigine. Alcohol may also increase the risk of seizures.
  
  
• Lamotrigine may cause drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, or poor coordination. Do not drive, operate dangerous machinery, or perform other hazardous activities until you know how lamotrigine affects you. If you experience drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, or poor coordination, avoid these activities.

What are the possible side effects of lamotrigine?

• In rare cases, lamotrigine 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 a 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 lamotrigine.
  
  
• Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take lamotrigine 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 lamotrigine?

• Lamotrigine interacts with many of the other drugs used to treat seizures. Before taking lamotrigine, 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 a combination of medications to treat seizures. Continue to take all medications prescribed to treat seizures exactly as directed.
  
  
• Birth control pills may decrease the amount of lamotrigine in the body. A dosage adjustment may be necessary if birth control pills are started or stopped during treatment with lamotrigine.
  
  
• Lamotrigine 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 lamotrigine is taken with any of these medications.
  
  
• Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with lamotrigine. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

Disclaimer

The materials contained on the Epilepsy Newfoundland and Labrador website are to provide general information about epilepsy to the public. The information presented is not intended as medical or legal advice. Epilepsy Newfoundland and Labrador, its employees, board members, medical advisors, volunteers, agents and sponsors do not assume responsibility for inaccuracies or omissions or for the consequences from the use of the information obtained over this site or any links accessed through this site. Epilepsy Newfoundland and Labrador is not liable for any outcome or damages resulting from information in either a direct or indirect form. We recognize that each individual's experience of epilepsy is different. Consult your physician and/or neurologist with any questions you have.