Drug
Lamotrigine
Pronounced
"lam-OH-try-jeen"
Uses
This product is used to prevent or control seizures (epilepsy).
This drug is not approved for use in children younger than 2 years due to an increased risk of side effects (such as infections).
Warning
Rarely, serious (sometimes fatal) skin rashes have occurred while taking this medication. These rashes are more common in children than in adults. Rashes may be more likely if you start at too high a dose, if you increase your dose too quickly, or if you take this medication with certain other anti-seizure medications (valproic acid, divalproex). These rashes may occur anytime during use, but most serious rashes have occurred within 2 to 8 weeks of starting lamotrigine.
Get medical help right away if you develop any type of skin rash, or if you have other signs of a serious allergic reaction such as hives, fever, swollen lymph nodes, severe dizziness, painful sores in the mouth or around the eyes, swelling of the face/tongue/throat, trouble breathing, or liver problems (symptoms include stomach/abdominal pain, nausea/vomiting that continues, dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin). Your doctor will tell you if you should stop taking lamotrigine. Even after you stop taking this, it is still possible for a rash to become life-threatening or cause permanent scars or other problems.
Other Uses
This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.
This drug may also be used to reduce the risk of extreme mood swings of bipolar disorder in adults.
How to Use This Medication
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, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. Swallow the tablets whole. Do not crush or chew the tablets. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects.
The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, and other medications you may be taking. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). If you are being switched from the immediate release form of this medication, your doctor will usually start you on a dose similar to what you were taking with the immediate release form.
It is very important to follow your doctor's dosing instructions exactly. The dose must be increased slowly. 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 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 does not get better or if it gets worse.