Lamictal

Lamictal is commonly used to treat bipolar disorder and epilepsy. While it is unknown how the drug works to treat bipolar disorder, it is believed to control epilepsy by affecting sodium channels in the brain. The drug is available in tablet and "chewable dispersible" form, and is taken usually once or twice a day. Headaches, nausea, and dizziness are some of the more common side effects seen with Lamictal.

 

What Is Lamictal?

Lamictal® (lamotrigine) is a prescription medication used to treat the following conditions:
 
(Click Lamictal Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Lamictal?

It is made by GlaxoSmithKline.
 

How Does It Work?

Epilepsy is a disorder of the brain that causes brief changes in how the brain's electrical system works. This change in brain activity can lead to a seizure (see Epilepsy Symptoms). It is not known exactly how Lamictal works for treating epilepsy. Studies suggest that the drug may work by affecting sodium channels in the brain, preventing the abnormal activity from spreading to other parts of the brain. This action helps control seizures.
 
It is also not exactly known how Lamictal works to treat bipolar disorder.
 

Effectiveness

Several studies have evaluated the safety and effectiveness of Lamictal when used to treat bipolar disorder and epilepsy.
 
Lamictal Uses for Bipolar Disorder
A few studies have used Lamictal for bipolar disorder treatment. In these studies, people taking the drug went longer without having an episode of mania or depression, compared to those not taking it.
 
Lamictal Uses for Epilepsy
Studies have shown that Lamictal is effective for treating a few different types of seizures. The drug was shown to be effective when used in the following ways:
 
  • Used alone to treat adults with partial seizures who were previously treated with a single epilepsy medication. Specifically, people were switched to Lamictal from one of the following medications:

 

 

  • Used along with other seizure medications to treat partial seizures in adults and children as young as two years old.
     
  • Used along with other seizure medications to treat seizures due to Lennox-Gastaut syndrome in adults and children as young as three years old.
     
  • Used along with other seizure medications to treat generalized tonic-clonic seizures (grand mal seizures) in adults and children as young as two years old.
     

When and How to Take Lamictal

General considerations for when and how to take the medication include the following:
 
  • It comes in regular tablet form and in Lamictal CD tablets. It is taken by mouth, usually once or twice a day.
     
  • Lamictal CD tablets are "chewable dispersible" tablets. These tablets can be swallowed whole, chewed, or "dispersed" in a small amount of liquid. To disperse Lamictal CD tablets, add the tablet to a small amount of liquid, about a teaspoonful or enough to cover the tablet. Wait a minute, swirl the liquid to make sure the tablet is broken down, and take by mouth immediately. Do not attempt to take a partial dose of Lamictal CD tablets by cutting them in half or taking half of the dispersed tablet in liquid.
     
  • Regular Lamictal tablets can be broken in half if necessary to obtain the proper dosage. However, these tablets can be particularly difficult to break. You may want to consider purchasing a "pill splitter" or ask your pharmacist to split them for you.
     
  • The medication can be taken with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, try taking it with food.
     
  • It should be taken at the same time(s) each day to maintain an even level in your blood.
     
  • For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. It will not work if you stop taking it. In addition, do not stop taking it without first discussing it with your healthcare provider (see Lamictal Withdrawal).
 

Dosing Information

The dosage that 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.
 
(Click Lamictal Dosage for more information.)
 

Side Effects

As with any medicine, side effects are possible. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
Common side effects include, but are not limited to:
 
  • Headaches
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Coordination problems
  • Drowsiness
  • Double vision or blurred vision
  • Nausea or vomiting.
     
(Click Lamictal Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 
For information on specific side effects, see the following eMedTV articles:
 

Drug Interactions With Lamictal

Lamictal can potentially interact with a few other medicines (see Lamictal Drug Interactions).
 

What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this drug if you have:
 
  • Liver disease, such as liver failure or cirrhosis
  • Kidney disease, including kidney failure (renal failure)
  • Heart disease or any heart problems
  • A blood disorder
  • Any allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives.
     
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Lamictal Warnings and Precautions to learn more, including information on who should not take the drug.)
 

What If I Take an Overdose?

People who take too much of this medication may have overdose symptoms that could include:
 
  • Coordination problems
  • Involuntary eye movements
  • Seizures
  • Unconsciousness or coma
  • Irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia)
  • Loss of life.
     
If you happen to overdose, seek immediate medical attention.
 
(Click Lamictal Overdose for more information.)
 

How Should It Be Stored?

It should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Store the tablets in an airtight container.
 
Keep Lamictal and all medications out of the reach of children.
 

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?

If you do not take your dose as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose. Your healthcare provider may ask if you miss any of your Lamictal doses, as this information may be helpful for adjusting your dosage.
 

Strengths of Lamictal

Regular Lamictal tablets are available in the following strengths:
 
  • Lamictal 25 mg
  • Lamictal 100 mg
  • Lamictal 150 mg
  • Lamictal 200 mg.
     
Chewable or "dispersible" Lamictal CD tablets (which can be swallowed whole, chewed, or dispersed in a small amount of liquid) are available in the following strengths:
 
  • Lamictal CD 2 mg
  • Lamictal CD 5 mg
  • Lamictal CD 25 mg.
     
Various Lamictal "starter packs" are also available. The medication often must be started at a low dose and slowly increased, and these packs make it easier for people to start taking it. There are three types of starter packs, with different dosages. When determining which starter pack you need, your healthcare provider will consider whether you are taking certain medications that can interact with Lamictal (see Lamictal Dosage).
 

Is There a Generic Version of Lamictal?

Currently, Lamictal CD tablets (but not the regular tablets) are available in a generic version (see Generic Lamictal).
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;