What is this medicine?
LAMOTRIGINE (la MOE tri jeen) is used to control seizures in adults and children with epilepsy and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. It is also used in adults to treat bipolar disorder.
Open All
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
Open
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
-a history of depression or bipolar disorder
-aseptic meningitis during prior use of lamotrigine
-folate deficiency
-kidney disease
-liver disease
-suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt; a previous suicide attempt by you or a family member
-an unusual or allergic reaction to lamotrigine or other seizure medications, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
-pregnant or trying to get pregnant
-breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Open
Take this medicine by mouth. These tablets may be swallowed whole, chewed, mixed in water, or diluted in fruit juice to aid swallowing. Follow the directions on the prescription label. To mix the tablets in water or juice, add the tablets to a small amount of liquid (1 teaspoon or enough to cover the medicine) in a glass or spoon. The tablets will dissolve in about 1 minute. Once dissolved, mix or swirl the liquid and take the entire solution immediately. It is important that you swallow all of the liquid used to prepare the dose, so that the full prescribed dose is given. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each new prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 2 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
What if I miss a dose?
Open
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medicine?
Open
-carbamazepine
-female hormones, including contraceptive or birth control pills
-methotrexate
-phenobarbital
-phenytoin
-primidone
-pyrimethamine
-rifampin
-trimethoprim
-valproic acid
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Open
Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. If you take this medicine for seizures, wear a Medic Alert bracelet or necklace. Carry an identification card with information about your condition, medicines, and doctor or health care professional.
It is important to take this medicine exactly as directed. When first starting treatment, your dose will need to be adjusted slowly. It may take weeks or months before your dose is stable. You should contact your doctor or health care professional if your seizures get worse or if you have any new types of seizures. Do not stop taking this medicine unless instructed by your doctor or health care professional. Stopping your medicine suddenly can increase your seizures or their severity.
Contact your doctor or health care professional right away if you develop a rash while taking this medicine. Rashes may be very severe and sometimes require treatment in the hospital. Deaths from rashes have occurred. Serious rashes occur more often in children than adults taking this medicine. It is more common for these serious rashes to occur during the first 2 months of treatment, but a rash can occur at any time.
You may get drowsy, dizzy, or have blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. To reduce dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol can increase drowsiness and dizziness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
If you are taking this medicine for bipolar disorder, it is important to report any changes in your mood to your doctor or health care professional. If your condition gets worse, you get mentally depressed, feel very hyperactive or manic, have difficulty sleeping, or have thoughts of hurting yourself or committing suicide, you need to get help from your health care professional right away. If you are a caregiver for someone taking this medicine for bipolar disorder, you should also report these behavioral changes right away. The use of this medicine may increase the chance of suicidal thoughts or actions. Pay special attention to how you are responding while on this medicine.
Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.
Women who become pregnant while using this medicine may enroll in the North American Antiepileptic Drug Pregnancy Registry by calling 1-888-233-2334. This registry collects information about the safety of antiepileptic drug use during pregnancy.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Open
Side effects you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
-allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
-blurred, or double vision
-difficulty walking or controlling muscle movements
-fever
-headache, stiff neck, and sensitivity to light
-painful sores in the mouth, eyes, or nose
-redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
-severe muscle pain
-swollen lymph glands
-uncontrollable eye movements
-unusual bruising or bleeding
-unusually weak or tired
-vomiting
-worsening of mood, thoughts or actions of suicide or dying
-yellowing of the eyes or skin
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
-diarrhea, or constipation
-difficulty sleeping
-nausea
-tremors
Where should I keep my medicine?
Open
Keep out of reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light and moisture. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Information on use before, during and after pregnancy.
Open
FIRST Trimester
Class C - Animal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. OR No animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
SECOND Trimester
Class C - Animal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. OR No animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
THIRD Trimester
Class C - Animal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. OR No animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
Lactation
Caution - Not enough information is available to rule out harm to infants when this drug is taken by nursing mothers.
