Lamictal Information

Lamictal is a medicine, helpful in treating seizures, and chemically non-related to other anti-seizure preparations. The exact working mechanism is unknown.

In case patients take Lamotrigine simultaneously with valproic acid (Depakote), the initial dose of Lamictal should make 25 mg every other day during two weeks, then 25 mg per day for two weeks. The dosage has to be increased gradually (by 25 to 50 mg per day) every one to two weeks until it makes 100 to 150 mg per day. Average doses of Lamotrigine should be taken twice per day.

In case patients take Lamotrigine without valproic acid (Depakote), the initial dose of Lamictal should make 50 mg per day during two weeks. Then it should be exceeded to 100 mg per day, which should be divided in two doses and taken during 2 following weeks. Afterwards the average dose is 300 to 500 mg per day, taken in two divided doses.

Lamictal Safety Information

In case of missing a dose of Lamotrigine, take it as soon as you remember to do so. However, if it's about time to take your next dose, skip the missed one and follow your regular schedule. Thus take the next dose when it's time for it. Never take a double dose at once. Try not to miss doses.

Keep Lamotrigine safe from heat, moisture, and light. Store this product at room temperature77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Short-term storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is possible. Keep this product out of the reach of children. Keep safe from pets.

Visit your health care provider while treating with Lamictal. You may also have to do certain medical tests in order to monitor the condition.

Make sure you inform your health care provider in case of any illnesses, heart problems, kidney problems, allergies (especially drug allergies), liver problems.

Do not drive, operate machinery or perform any activities, requiring high level of attention, before you find out your reaction to Lamotrigine.

You should avoid sun while treating with this medicine in order to prevent rash, caused by sunlight.

You should not drink alcohol during the treatment.

Consult with your health care provider as soon as possible in case of pregnancy. The risks and benefits should be closely discussed. Lamotrigine is excreted into breast milk. Do not breast-feed while going thru the therapy.

Lamictal Side Effects

You may experience headache, fatigue, sleepiness, staggers, clumsiness, blurred vision, weakness during the first several days of treatment. Talk to your doctor if they do not go away.

Consult with your health care provider immediately in case of allergy (rash, painful sores in the mouth or around the eyes, swollen glands, hives, fever, swelling of the lips or tongue, severe staggers, trouble breathing, itching).

If you notice any symptoms of a rash, consult with a health care provider immediately and discontinue the usage of this preparation. The risk of a rash may be higher in case of overdosing, especially at the beginning of the therapy, or if the patient is being treated also with valproic acid. Most serious rashes have occurred within 2 to 8 weeks of the beginning of the therapy. But serious rash may also occur after 6 month of treatment.

Lamotrigine should only be used in children with partial seizures or seizures, associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Serious (sometimes even fatal) rash (e.g., Stevens-Johnson syndrome) is more likely to occur in children under 16 years of age.

If you notice any side effects, talk to your health care provider immediately.