Lamotrigine, Oral

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: antiseizure; antiepileptic

Generic and brand names: lamotrigine, oral; Lamictal; Lamictal CD

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is taken by mouth to treat partial seizures. It is often used along with other epilepsy medicines. It may also be used to treat bipolar disorder.

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:

• an allergic reaction to any medicine
• folate deficiency
• kidney disease
• liver disease

Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without discussing with your healthcare provider.

How do I take it?

Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Take this medicine exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes. You must take the proper dose each day to help reduce or eliminate your seizures. Do not stop taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval. You may have to gradually reduce your dosage. Otherwise, the seizures may increase. Be sure you understand how and when to take all your medicines.

If you have the regular tablets, do not break, crush, or chew them. Swallow them whole. If you have the chewable tablets, you may swallow them whole, chew them, or mix in water or fruit juice. Drink a full glass of water after taking the tablets.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.

What if I overdose?

If you or anyone else has intentionally taken too much of this medicine, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you pass out, have seizures, weakness or confusion, or have trouble breathing, call 911. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. The poison control center number is 800-222-1222.

Symptoms of an acute overdose may include: trouble walking, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, coma, slowed breathing, lack of coordination.

What should I watch out for?

Contact your healthcare provider right away if you develop a rash. A rash may be a sign of a serious problem. Also contact your provider if your seizures are not controlled or if they get worse.

Antiseizure medicines may increase suicidal thoughts or actions in some people. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have new or increased thoughts of suicide.

This medicine may cause dizziness, drowsiness, double vision, or blurred vision. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert and can see clearly.

This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to the sun, which may lead to painful sunburns. While you are taking this medicine, avoid long exposure to the sun. Wear protective clothing, a hat, and sunscreen lotion when you need to be outdoors. Do not use a sunlamp. If you get a severe sunburn, contact your healthcare provider right away.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Life-threatening (Report these to your heath care provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).

Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Rash, fever, increase of seizures, swelling in hands or feet.

Other: Headache, drowsiness, vision problems, diarrhea, constipation, trouble sleeping, dry mouth, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, stuffy or runny nose, dizziness, tiredness, unsteadiness.

What products might interact with this medicine?

When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:

• acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• anti-infective medicines such as rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane) and ritonavir (Norvir)
• antiseizure medicines such as phenytoin (Dilantin), fosphenytoin (Cerebyx), carbamazepine (Tegretol), primidone (Mysoline), oxcarbazepine (Trileptal), phenobarbital, methsuximide (Celontin), and valproic acid (Depakote, Depakene)
• birth control pills
• evening primrose oil
• narcotic pain medicines such as codeine, morphine, meperidine (Demerol), hydromorphone (Dilaudid), and oxycodone (Roxicodone, OxyContin)
• rifampin (Rifadin)

Do not drink alcohol while you are taking this medicine.

Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

How should I store this medicine?

Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.

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This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.

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