Why is Lamictal prescribed?

Lamictal is prescribed to control seizures in people with epilepsy. It is also used to control a serious form of epilepsy known as Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Lamictal is used in combination with other antiepileptic medications or as a replacement for a medication such as carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, primidone, or valproate.

In addition, Lamictal is used to help prevent the manic and/or depressive phases of bipolar disorder.

How should this medicine be used?

Lamotrigine comes as a regular tablet and a chewable dispersible (can be chewed or dissolved in liquid) tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once or twice a day. It is sometimes taken once every other day at the beginning of treatment. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.

There are other medications that have names similar to the brand name for lamotrigine. You should be sure that you receive lamotrigine and not one of the similar medications each time you fill your prescription. Be sure that the prescription your doctor gives you is clear and easy to read. Talk to your pharmacist to be sure that you are given lamotrigine. After you receive your medication, compare the tablets to the pictures in the manufacturer's patient information sheet. If you think you were given the wrong medication, talk to your pharmacist. Do not take any medication unless you are certain it is the medication that your doctor prescribed.

Swallow the regular tablets whole; do not split, chew, or crush them.

If you are taking the chewable dispersible tablets, you may swallow them whole, chew them, or dissolve them in liquid. If you chew the tablets, drink a small amount of water or diluted fruit juice afterward to wash down the medication. To dissolve the tablets in liquid, place 1 teaspoon of water or diluted fruit juice in a glass or on a spoon. Place the tablet in the liquid and wait 1 minute to allow it to dissolve. Then mix the liquid and drink all of it immediately.

If you were taking another medication to treat seizures and are switching to lamotrigine, your doctor will gradually decrease your dose of the other medication and gradually increase your dose of lamotrigine. Follow these directions carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about how much of each medication you should take.

Lamotrigine may control your condition, but it will not cure it. Continue to take lamotrigine even if you feel well. Do not stop taking lamotrigine without talking to your doctor, even if you experience side effects such as unusual changes in behavior or mood. Your doctor will probably decrease your dose gradually. If you suddenly stop taking lamotrigine, you may experience seizures. If you do stop taking lamotrigine for any reason, do not start taking it again without talking to your doctor.

Your doctor or pharmacist will give you the manufacturer's patient information sheet. Read it carefully before you begin taking lamotrigine and each time you refill your prescription. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

How should you take Lamictal?

Take Lamictal exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Taking more than the prescribed amount can increase your risk of developing a serious rash. Do not stop taking this medication without first discussing it with your doctor. An abrupt halt could increase your seizures. Your doctor can schedule a gradual reduction in dosage.

Lamictal Chewable Dispersible (CD) tablets may be swallowed whole, chewed, or dissloved in liquid. When chewing the tablets, drink a small amount of water or diluted fruit juice to aid in swallowing. When dissolving the tablets, add them to a small amount of water or diluted fruit juice (about 1 teaspoonful), and wait 1 minute until the tablets are completely dissolved. Swirl the solution and drink immediately. Do not try to cut the dose by drinking only part of the solution.

• If you miss a dose...
  Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

• Storage instructions...
  Store in a tightly closed container at room temperature. Keep dry and protect from light.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Lamotrigine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• loss of balance or coordination
• double vision
• blurred vision
• crossed eyes
• difficulty thinking or concentrating
• difficulty speaking
• drowsiness
• dizziness
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• constipation
• heartburn
• problems with ears or teeth
• irritability
• nervousness
• mood changes
• difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
• stomach, back, or joint pain
• runny nose
• cough
• missed or painful menstrual periods
• swelling, itching, or irritation of the vagina
• dry mouth

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms or those described in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, call your doctor immediately:

• seizures that happen more often, last longer, or are different than the seizures you had in the past
• chest pain
• swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• depression

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/index.html] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Symptoms of overdose may include:

• loss of balance or coordination
• crossed eyes
• increased seizures
• loss of consciousness
• coma