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 Uses
Lamotrigine is used alone or with other medications to prevent or control seizures (epilepsy) in people aged 2 and older. It may also be used to help prevent the extreme mood swings of bipolar disorder in people aged 18 and older.
This medication is an anticonvulsant. Lamotrigine is thought to work by restoring the balance of certain natural substances (neurotransmitters) in the brain.
Lamictal Oral How To Use
Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking lamotrigine and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions regarding the information, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication with or without food as directed by your doctor. The chewable/dispersible tablets may be swallowed whole, chewed, or mixed in water or fruit juice. If the tablets are chewed, drink a small amount of water or juice to help you swallow all of the medication. To disperse the tablets, add tablets to a small amount of liquid (enough to cover the medication) in a glass or spoon. Wait 1 minute until the tablets are completely dissolved, then drink the entire mixture. Use only whole tablets from undamaged packaging. Do not save the opened or dissolved tablets for later use.
The dose must be increased slowly. Your dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, and use of certain other interacting drugs (e.g., hormones such as estrogens, anti-seizure drugs such as carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone, valproate). (See also Drug Interactions section.) Do not start or stop using hormonal forms of birth control (e.g., birth control pills, patch, ring) or other female hormonal products without consulting your doctor. Report any changes in your menstrual pattern (e.g., bleeding between menstrual periods) to your doctor.
It is very important to follow your doctor's dosing instructions exactly. It may take several weeks or months to reach the best dose for you and to get the full benefit from this medication. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time(s) each day.
Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased. Also, if you have stopped taking this medication, do not restart lamotrigine without consulting your doctor.
Tell your doctor if your condition worsens or if you develop other new symptoms during your treatment.
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.
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