Lamictal (Lamotrigine) for Epilepsy

Overview
Lamictal is a prescription drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to control partial-onset seizures, primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures, and generalized seizures of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Lamictal is usually prescribed as an adjunctive medicine to be taken with other antiepileptic drugs. Lamictal is also referred to by its drug name, lamotrigine.

Lamictal is an anticonvulsant, or in other words, a drug used to prevent and control seizures. It is believed to work in cases of epilepsy by inhibiting nerve signals in the brain.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that Lamictal is taken orally as a table. Lamictal tablets come in different formats, including regular, chewable, and orally-disintegrating. Your doctor will likely start you on a low dose of Lamictal and gradually increase the dosage.

Do not stop taking Lamictal suddenly. If you decide to stop taking Lamictal, consult your physician for a plan to reduce your dosage gradually.

Lamictal should be taken exactly as prescribed by a physician.

Side effects
The FDA-approved label for Lamictal lists common side effects including dizziness, headache, double vision, blurred vision, difficulty controlling body movements, nausea, sleepiness, cold-like symptoms, and rash.

Rare but serious side effects listed for Lamictal include life-threatening allergic reactions, low blood cell counts, depression, suicidal thoughts and behavior, and life-threatening rashes, including a condition called Stevens-Johnson Syndrome.

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience a rash, especially with fever and symptoms of a viral infection, while taking Lamictal. Children between the ages of 2 and 16 years have a higher risk of developing a severe rash while taking Lamictal. Contact your doctor if you experience depression or suicidal thoughts while taking Lamictal.

Lamictal can also increase your risk of developing aseptic meningitis, a dangerous brain condition. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop a headache, stiff neck, fever, vomiting, sensitivity to light, or chills while taking Lamictal.

Drinking alcohol while taking Lamictal may intensify some side effects, such as drowsiness.

Avoid driving or operating machinery until you are certain you understand how Lamictal affects you.

Some oral contraceptives may affect blood concentrations of Lamictal. Ask your doctor whether you need to switch birth control methods while taking Lamictal.

For more details about this treatment, visit:

Lamictal — Drugs.com
https://www.drugs.com/lamictal.html

Lamictal — RxList
https://www.rxlist.com/lamictal-drug/patient-im...