Home>drugs by ailments>Epilepsy/Seizures>lamotrigine

Lamotrigine

Information about Lamotrigine

Lamotrigine Uses

Lamotrigine is used in the treatment of epilepsy/seizures, epilepsy, Bipolar disorder, mania, migraine, trigeminal neuralgia and seizures.

How Lamotrigine works

Lamotrigine is an antiepileptic medication. It controls seizures or fits by decreasing the abnormal and excessive activity of the nerve cells in the brain.

Common side effects of Lamotrigine

Headache, Dryness in mouth, Sleepiness, Dizziness, Joint pain, Agitation, Tremors, Tiredness, Irritability, Gastrointestinal disturbance

CONTENT DETAILS

Written By

Dr. Swati Mishra

BDS

Last updated

03 Dec 2024 | 05:08 AM (UTC)

We provide you with authentic, trustworthy and revelant information

Want to know more

Available Medicine for Lamotrigine

LamitorTorrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd

₹10 to ₹64612 variant(s)

LametecCipla Ltd

₹11 to ₹41610 variant(s)

LamezIntas Pharmaceuticals Ltd

₹20 to ₹6839 variant(s)

LamosynSun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd

₹9 to ₹2997 variant(s)

LamictalGlaxo SmithKline Pharmaceuticals Ltd

₹43 to ₹82410 variant(s)

LamepilIpca Laboratories Ltd

₹79 to ₹2956 variant(s)

EpigenResilient Cosmecueticals Pvt Ltd

₹160 to ₹3285 variant(s)

LamokemAlkem Laboratories Ltd

₹48 to ₹2023 variant(s)

VoltriginLa Renon Healthcare Pvt Ltd

₹94 to ₹1822 variant(s)

LamictinRPG Life Sciences Ltd

₹62 to ₹1954 variant(s)

Expert advice for Lamotrigine

Take your medication regularly as directed by your doctor as missing doses can trigger seizures.
Do not change the brand of your medicine and make sure that you have sufficient amount of medicine present with you.
Some healthy tips to prevent seizures:
- Practice yoga every day.
- Get enough sleep at nighttime.
- Limit the use of screen time such as mobile/laptop.
- Take your medication on time.
It may cause dizziness and sleepiness. Do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how it affects you.
It may cause headaches. Drink plenty of water and take a suitable pain killer. Inform your doctor if it does not go away.
It may cause skin rash. Inform your doctor immediately if you notice a rash, itching and peeling of skin.
Talk to your doctor if you notice sudden mood changes or develop suicidal thoughts.
Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without talking to your doctor as it may increase the frequency of seizure.
Lamotrigine helps in the treatment and prevention of seizures.
Take it at the same time every day to maintain consistent levels in your body.
It may cause dizziness and sleepiness. Do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how it affects you.
Avoid consuming alcohol when taking Lamotrigine, as it may cause excessive sleepiness or drowsiness.
Monitor your weight during treatment with this medicine as it can cause weight gain.
Inform your doctor if you develop any unusual changes in mood or behavior, new or worsening depression, or suicidal thoughts or behavior.
Do not take Lamotrigine if you are pregnant or planning to conceive or breastfeeding.
Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without talking to your doctor as it may increase the seizure frequency.
Take your medication regularly as directed by your doctor as missing doses can trigger seizures.
Do not change the brand of your medicine and make sure that you have sufficient amount of medicine present with you.
Some healthy tips to prevent seizures:
- Practice yoga every day.
- Get enough sleep at nighttime.
- Limit the use of screen time such as mobile/laptop.
- Take your medication on time.
It may increase the risk of low sodium levels in the blood. Inform your doctor if you develop difficulty concentrating, memory problems, confusion, weakness, and unsteadiness.
Talk to your doctor if you notice sudden mood changes or develop suicidal thoughts.

Frequently asked questions for Lamotrigine

Lamotrigine

Q. I started Lamotrigine and developed a rash. The doctor stopped Lamotrigine immediately and prescribed another medicine. Why?

There have been reports where patients developed serious rashes within 8 weeks of starting Lamotrigine and were hospitalized. Sometimes these rashes turn into severe skin infections and may endanger the patient’s life. Therefore, it is advised that if a patient develops rashes after starting Lamotrigine, it should be stopped and should not be restarted. Use of Lamotrigine is stopped even if the rashes are mild and non-serious. It is because of this that your doctor changed the medicine.

Q. How long does it take Lamotrigine to work?

Though it varies from person to person, your symptoms may take about 6-8 weeks to improve.

Q. What can be the consequences of taking a higher than the recommended dose of Lamotrigine?

You may experience quick and uncontrollable movements of your eye, clumsiness, and lack of coordination. High doses of Lamotrigine may cause problems with your balance, changes in heartbeat rhythm, loss of consciousness, fits (convulsions) or coma. Even if there are no signs of discomfort, seek immediate medical attention of a doctor or nearby hospital.

Q. Can Lamotrigine affect pregnancy?

Studies on the human population do not show any effects of Lamotrigine on pregnant women or her fetus. However, it is advisable that you inform your doctor immediately if you become pregnant or are planning to get pregnant while taking Lamotrigine. In case therapy with Lamotrigine is considered during pregnancy, your doctor may prescribe the lowest effective dose.

Q. Is weight gain a side effect of Lamotrigine?

No, weight gain is not a side effect of Lamotrigine. However, it may decrease your weight.

Q. What are the most serious side effects of Lamotrigine?

Serious side effects with the use of Lamotrigine occur in very few people. The side effects may include serious rash (Steven Johnson syndrome), severe inflammation of the body (hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis), severe allergic reaction, decrease in platelets or red blood cells or white blood cells and suicidal thoughts or actions. If you notice any such side effects, consult your doctor immediately. Your doctor may consider discontinuing Lamotrigine.

Q. Are there any psychological side effects associated with the use of Lamotrigine?

Aggression, confusion and irritability are common psychiatric side effects which may be caused by the use of Lamotrigine.

Q. How to take Lamotrigine?

Lamotrigine can be taken with or without food. Continue taking Lamotrigine in the dose and duration advised by the doctor to get maximum benefits of Lamotrigine.

Q. Can I take Lamotrigine with other antiepileptic medicines?

It is important that you inform your doctor if you are already on any other antiepileptic medicines. The reason being, taking Lamotrigine with some antiepileptics (like valproate and carbamazepine) may increase the chances of developing side effects. Also, the dose of Lamotrigine may need adjustment if taken with antiepileptic medicines such as oxcarbazepine, felbamate, gabapentin, levetiracetam, pregabalin, topiramate or zonisamide.

Q. I have symptoms of depression. Can I take Lamotrigine?

Yes, you can take Lamotrigine if you have depression symptoms. In fact, Lamotrigine is used in preventing depression. But, do not self medicate. Do not start or stop taking Lamotrigine on your own, unless otherwise advised by the doctor.