An Introduction to Your Lamictal Dosage
The dose of
Lamictal® (
lamotrigine) your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- The medical condition being treated
- Your age and weight
- Other medications you may be taking
- Other medical conditions you may have.
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
Dose of Lamictal for Epilepsy and Bipolar Disorder
Dosing for Lamictal is complicated. Not only will the recommended dose change, depending on other medications you are taking or other medical conditions you have, but Lamictal must be started at a low dose and increased slowly for up to seven weeks, which can be confusing for people.
Make sure your healthcare provider knows about every medication you are taking (especially other
seizure or
bipolar disorder medications), as well as other medical conditions you have (especially kidney or liver problems).
Increasing your Lamictal dosage faster than recommended (or taking more of the drug than recommended) can increase your risk of
Lamictal side effects, especially a life-threatening rash
(see Lamictal Rash). Be sure you understand your healthcare provider's instructions thoroughly and follow them closely.
If you have stopped taking the drug for a while (even for just a few days), talk to your healthcare provider, as you may need to restart at a lower Lamictal dose and slowly increase it again.
