Lamictal
® (
lamotrigine) is a prescription medication used to treat the following conditions:
It is made by GlaxoSmithKline.
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.
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 tablets, orally disintegrating tablets, and as 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.
- Lamictal orally disintegrating tablets should be placed on the tongue and moved around in the mouth. They will dissolve rapidly. They can be swallowed with or without water.
- 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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Regular
Lamictal tablets and orally disintegrating 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?
Some forms of this medication are available in a generic version
(see Generic Lamictal).
