Medications and Drugs

GENERIC NAME: LAMOTRIGINE - ORAL (lam-OH-try-jeen)

BRAND NAME(S): Lamictal

Warning | Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert

WARNING: 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. Even after stopping this medication, it is still possible for the rash to cause permanent or life-threatening scarring along with other problems. The possibility of a rash may be increased by using too much of this medication when treatment begins, increasing the dose beyond what your doctor prescribes during treatment, or taking valproic acid with lamotrigine. Most life-threatening rashes have occurred within 2 to 8 weeks of starting this medication. However, such serious rashes have also occurred after 6 months of use.

USES: 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).

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth exactly as prescribed. For best effects, take this medication at evenly spaced times throughout the day and night. This will ensure a constant level of drug in your body. Do not take this more often or increase your dose without consulting your doctor. Do not stop taking this drug suddenly without your doctor's approval since seizures may reoccur. Notify your doctor if seizure control worsens.

SIDE EFFECTS: Headache, fatigue, drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, weakness, clumsiness may occur the first several days as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. If you develop a rash, stop using this drug and seek immediate medical attention. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, hives, fever, swollen glands, swelling of the lips or tongue, painful sores in the mouth or around the eyes, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.