Lamotrigine
Information about Lamotrigine
Lamotrigine uses
Lamotrigine is used in the treatment of Epilepsy/Seizures and Bipolar disoder.
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
Skin rash, Headache, Nausea, Vomiting, Dryness in mouth, Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping), Sleepiness, Dizziness, Back pain, Fatigue, Abdominal pain, Blurred vision, Double vision, Coordination impaired, Nasal congestion, Infection
Content Details
Last updated on:
06 Nov 2019 | 02:47 PM (IST)
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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 seizure frequency.
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. Can Lamotrigine be taken with food?
Lamotrigine can be taken with or without food.
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.