What is Lamictal used for?
Lamictal is a mood stabilizer used to prevent the mood episodes of bipolar disorder (or manic depression) and to prevent seizures. It works by regulating the substances of the brain that are associated with those conditions. It is considered an anti-epileptic and anticonvulsant medication. It may be used alone or with other medications to manage symptoms. It is not recommended for children under two years of age as there may be risks for infants.
Lamictal Information
Before taking your first dose of lamictal, carefully read the patient information leaflet included with the packaging. If any of the directions are unclear, call your doctor or pharmacist to provide medical advice.
Lamictal is taken orally once a day and may be taken with or without food. The tablets are meant to be taken whole. Advise a medical or mental health professional if you cannot swallow the pill whole a chewable dispersible tablet may be available.
Your dose may vary based on your age and condition. Follow the directions to get the most benefit. Some birth control pills may interact with anti-seizure drugs and make them less effective. Lamictal works best when taken consistently every day.
If you miss a dose, take it when you remember. If it is mealy time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your schedule.
Lamictal Has known side effects. This is not a complete list and includes frequently reported adverse events. If you experience any signs and symptoms of serious side effects when taking Lamictal, talk to your doctor or emergency care.
Report side effects with Lamictal to your doctor. If you find them unmanageable call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
- pale skin
- vomiting
- sweating
- high fever
- itching
- trouble breathing
- poor coordination
- chest or abdominal pain
- nosebleeds
- seizure that will not stop
- sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
- bleeding gums
- painful or difficult urination
- nausea
- slurred speech
- sore throat
- pain or burning in the throat
- general feeling of discomfort or illness
- chills
- irregular heartbeat
- fast heartbeat
- muscle spasms
- swollen or painful glands
- general body swelling
- loss of appetite
- mask-like face
- pains in the stomach or side, possibly radiating to the back
- chest pain, discomfort, or tightness
- swelling of the face, mouth, hands, or feet
- weight gain
- trouble sleeping
- small red or purple spots on the skin
- coughing or vomiting blood
- slowed movement
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- pain or discomfort in the arms, jaw, back, or neck
- continuous, uncontrolled back and forth or rolling eye movements
- lightheadedness
- double vision
- fever
- stiffness of the arms and legs
- decreased urine output
- bloody, black or tarry stools
- red or irritated eyes
- clumsiness or unsteadiness
- changes in vision
- cough
- fainting
- muscle cramps, pain, or weakness
- headache
- redness, soreness, or itching skin
- unusual tiredness or weakness
- shuffling walk
- infection
- lower back or side pain
- skin rash, skin reactions or Stevens Johnson syndrome
- hoarseness
- swelling of the face, fingers, feet, or lower legs
- loss of balance control
- difficulty with swallowing
- diarrhea
- increase in seizures
- Blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
- joint pain
- memory loss
- bluish lips or skin
- blood in the urine
- Back, leg, or stomach pains
- dilated neck veins
- constipation
- rapid, shallow breathing
- irregular breathing
- bloating
- sores, welting, or blisters
- dark urine
- heartburn
- persistent bleeding or oozing from puncture sites, mouth, or nose
- swollen lymph nodes
- Anxiety
- Blurred vision
- runny nose
- depression
- cough
- confusion
- shivering
- tic-like (jerky) movements
- not breathing
- irritability
- yellow eyes or skin
The following drugs are known to interact with Lamictal. This is not an exhaustive list of all possible drug interactions. It is important to disclose all your current medications, (including prescription medications and herbal products) with your doctor to prevent allergic reactions or adverse interactions. They may have to determine if the interaction is worth the benefit of using both drugs or if your therapeutic plan needs to be changed.
- Risperidone
- Dienogest
- Ginseng
- Ginkgo
- Estradiol
- Gestodene
- Norgestrel
- Phenytoin
- Atazanavir
- Methsuximide
- Fosphenytoin
- Rufinamide
- Norgestimate
- Ethynodiol
- Desmopressin
- Ritonavir
- Lopinavir
- Calcifediol
- Desogestrel
- Rifampin
- Valproic Acid
- Carbamazepine
- Norethindrone
- Primidone
- Ethinyl Estradiol
- Nomegestrol
- Oxcarbazepine
- Escitalopram
- Orlistat
- Mestranol
- Drospirenone
- Sertraline
- Cenobamate
- Dofetilide
- Phenobarbital
- Levonorgestrel
- Ezogabine
Current discounts and promotions for Lamictal can be found here
DISCLAIMER : The information provided here is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace the medical advice provided by a certified medical professional. Any prescription drug use needs to be approved by your doctor. Do not avoid or ignore any advice provided by your physician in favor of what is written here. Always consult with a pharmacist or doctor before taking this medication and seek counselling if you have any questions or concerns about your medication.