Home :: Lamictal

Lamictal

Generic name: Lamotrigine

Lamictal® or Lamotrigine is one of the newer anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) which is considered broad spectrum. This means it is effective in both partial-onset and generalized-onset epilepsy . Like many other AEDs, it is thought to inhibit sodium (Na) channels. It also appears to reduce glutamate release, an excitatory neurotransmitter. Lamictal is available in tablets of various sizes. Smaller sizes that are chewable are available for children.

Lamictal Dosage

• Take Lamictal exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
• Take each oral dose of Lamictal with a full glass of water.

Uses of Lamictal

• This medication helps control seizure disorders.
• Use of lamotrigine in children 2 years of age and older is restricted to those having certain types of seizures (partial or Lennox-Gastaut type).
• It is used off-label for neuropathic pain and trigeminal neuralgia.

Side Effects of Lamictal

Most people who take Lamictal can tolerate it well. However, as with all medications, some people experience side effects. The most common side effects with Lamictal include dizziness, headache, blurred or double vision, lack of coordination, sleepiness, nausea, vomiting, insomnia, and rash. Lamictal may cause other side effects not listed here. If you (or your loved one) develop any side effects or symptoms you are concerned about, or if you need more information, call your doctor.

Warnings and precautions before taking Lamictal

• This medicine may cause dizziness and double vision. As a result it could reduce your ability to drive or operate machinery safely. You should discuss this with your doctor. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you and you are sure it won't affect your performance.
• Be sure to tell your doctor about any medical problems you have before starting therapy with Lamictal. If you have kidney or liver disease, or heart problems, Lamictal should be used with caution.
• If you're taking Lamictal for bipolar disorder, be aware that the drug should not be used to stop an episode of mania or depression once it has started.
• Rarely, serious (sometimes fatal) skin rashes have occurred while using this medication. These rashes (e.g., Stevens-Johnson syndrome) are more common in children (less than 16 years old) than in adults. Therefore, lamotrigine should only be used in children who have partial seizures or seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Immediately notify your doctor if you develop any type of rash. If this medication is the cause of the rash, the drug must be stopped.
• The safety of this medicine in pregnancy has not been established. It should not be used during pregnancy unless the potential benefits outweigh any risks to the foetus. Seek medical advice from your doctor.
  

Drug Interaction :- If Lamictal is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Lamictal with the following:

• Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
  
• Drugs that inhibit folate metabolism, such as methotrexate and Septra
  
• Oral contraceptives
  
• Phenobarbital
  
• Phenytoin (Dilantin)
  
• Primidone (Mysoline)

Overdose

A massive overdose of Lamictal can be fatal. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical treatment immediately. Symptoms of Lamictal overdose may include:

• Coma, decreased level of consciousness, delayed heartbeat, increased seizures, lack of coordination, rolling eyeballs.
• Acute ingestion of doses in excess of 10 – 20 times the maximum therapeutic dose has been reported. Overdose has resulted in symptoms including nystagmus, ataxia, impaired consciousness.