IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
Table of Contents
- Uses and How to Use
- Dosage and Storage
- Precautions and Side Effects
- Drug Interactions
- Drug Images
Pronounced: (lam-OH-try-jeen)
Lamictal Oral Warning
Rarely, serious (sometimes fatal) skin rashes have occurred while taking this medication. These rashes (e.g., Stevens-Johnson syndrome) are more common in children under 16 than in adults. Therefore, lamotrigine should not be used in children except for the treatment of partial seizures or seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.
Rashes may be more likely if you start at too high a dose, if your dose increases too quickly, or if you take it with certain anti-seizure medications (valproic acid, divalproex). Most serious rashes occur within 2 to 8 weeks of starting lamotrigine, but such rashes may occur anytime during use. (See also Side Effects section.)
Seek immediate medical attention if you develop any type of skin rash while taking this medication, or if you have hives, fever, swollen lymph glands, painful sores in the mouth or around the eyes, or swelling of the lips or tongue. Your doctor will tell you if you should stop taking lamotrigine. Even after you stop taking this medication, it is still possible for the rash to become life-threatening or cause permanent scars or other problems.
Lamictal Oral Side Effects
Dizziness, headache, blurred/double vision, nasal congestion, lack of coordination, shaking (tremor), muscle weakness, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, painful menstrual cramps, difficulty sleeping, and lower stomach/abdominal discomfort may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
A small number of people who take anticonvulsants for any condition (such as seizure, bipolar disorder, pain) may experience depression, suicidal thoughts/attempts, or other mental/mood problems. Tell your doctor immediately if you or your family/caregiver notice any unusual/sudden changes in your mood, thoughts, or behavior including signs of depression, suicidal thoughts/attempts, thoughts about harming yourself.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur:
- easy bruising/bleeding
- black/bloody stools
- vomit that looks like coffee grounds
- unusual tiredness
- signs of infection (e.g., fever, stiff neck, persistent sore throat)
- muscle pain/tenderness
- muscle weakness
- dark/bloody urine
- change in the amount of urine
- yellowing of eyes/skin
Seek immediate medical attention if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur:
- chest pain
- slurred speech
- weakness on one side of the body
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. (See also Warning section.) Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include:
- rash
- fever
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Lamictal Oral Precautions
Before taking lamotrigine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- heart disease
- rash while taking lamotrigine
This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. It may harm an unborn baby. However, since untreated seizures are a serious condition that can harm both a pregnant woman and her unborn baby, do not stop taking this medication unless directed by your doctor. If you are planning pregnancy, become pregnant, or think you may be pregnant, immediately talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks of using this medication during pregnancy. Since birth control pills, patches, implants, and injections may not work if taken with this medication (see also Drug Interactions section), discuss reliable forms of birth control with your doctor.
This drug may pass into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Lamictal Oral Medical Alert
Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854- 1166 (USA) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
Copyright 2007 First DataBank, Inc.
