Lamictal, Lamotrigine Side Effects, Interactions and Information

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Lamictal, Lamotrigine

IMPORTANT WARNING:

Lamotrigine can cause serious rashes that can be fatal. Lamotrigine should be used in children below the age of 16 ONLY if they have seizures related to the Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome. Tell your doctor if you are taking valproic acid (Depakene, Depakote). Take lamotrigine exactly as directed. Do not take more of if or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.If you develop a rash, stop taking lamotrigine and call your doctor immediately. If you develop either of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately: fever, swollen lymph nodes. Talk to your doctor about the risk of taking lamotrigine.

Why is this medication prescribed?

Lamotrigine is used in adults with epilepsy to control a type of seizure called partial seizures. It is also used in adults and children with generalized seizures related to Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should this medicine be used?

Lamotrigine comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is taken two times a day at evenly spaced intervals. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take lamotrigine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Continue to take lamotrigine even if you feel well. Do not stop taking lamotrigine without talking to your doctor, especially if you have taken large doses for a long time. Your doctor probably will decrease your dose gradually. Abruptly stopping the drug can cause seizures.

Other uses for this medicine

Lamotrigine is used in adults to treat other types of seizures called tonic-clonic, absence, atypical absence, and myoclonic.
Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this drug for your condition.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking lamotrigine,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to lamotrigine or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially the one listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section (valproic acid), acetaminophen (Tylenol), other seizure medications, and vitamins.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart, kidney, or liver disease or a blood disorder.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking lamotrigine, call your doctor.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking lamotrigine.
• you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
• remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.
• plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Lamotrigine may make your skin sensitive to sunlight.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Lamotrigine may cause an upset stomach. Take lamotrigine with food. Drink plenty of water.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Although side effects from lamotrigine are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• drowsiness
• upset stomach
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• changes in balance
• loss of taste and appetite
• headache
• irritability
• insomnia

If you experience any of the following symptoms or those described in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, call your doctor immediately:

• redness of skin
• swelling

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature, away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

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.

What other information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to lamotrigine.
Call your doctor if you continue to have seizures or convulsions while taking this medication.

Wear identification (Medic Alert) indicating medication use and epilepsy.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

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