Lamotrigine tablets or chewable tablets
What do lamotrigine tablets or chewable tablets do?
LAMOTRIGINE (Lamictal(R)) is effective in helping to control partial seizures (convulsions) in adults with epilepsy. Lamotrigine is also used in adults and children who have generalized (major) seizures (convulsions) due to a special condition named Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Lamotrigine is usually prescribed with other medications that also help to control the convulsions, although sometimes lamotrigine may be used by itself.
What should my health care professional know before I take lamotrigine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• folate deficiency
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• an unusual or allergic reaction to lamotrigine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
• If you take regular Lamictal(R) tablets: Take lamotrigine tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Do not chew these tablets--they ave a bitter taste. If lamotrigine upsets your stomach, take it with food or milk. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
• If you take Lamictal(R) Chewable Dispersible tablets: Take these lamotrigine tablets by mouth. These tablets may be swallowed whole, chewed, mixed in water, or in diluted fruit juice to aid swallowing. To mix the tablets in water or juice, add the tablets to a small amount of liquid (enough to cover the medication) in a glass or spoon. The tablets will dissolve in about 1 minute. Once dissolved, mix or swirl the liquid and take the entire solution immediately. It is important that you swallow all of the liquid used to prepare the dose, so that the full prescribed dose is given. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What other medicines can interact with lamotrigine?
• acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol(R))
• carbamazepine
• methotrexate
• phenobarbital
• phenytoin
• primidone
• pyrimethamine
• trimethoprim
• valproic acid
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from taking lamotrigine?
Most people who take lamotrigine tolerate it well. The most common side effects are dizziness, drowsiness, headache, blurred vision, nausea, and rash. Rashes are typically mild or moderate, but on rare occasions have been very severe and have required hospitalization. More serious rashes occur more often in children than adults taking lamotrigine. It is more common for these serious rashes to occur in the first 2 months of treatment. Skin rashes occuring at any time while on treatment should be reported to your prescriber immediately.
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional immediately:
• fever
• painful sores in the mouth, eyes, or nose
• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
• skin rash, itching
• swelling of the face, lips or tongue
• swollen lymph glands
Side effects you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• blurred, or double vision
• changes in seizure type or frequency
• depression, or mood changes
• difficulty walking or controlling muscle movements
• uncontrollable eye movements
• unusual weakness or tiredness
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• back pain, joint aches and pains
• diarrhea, or constipation
• difficulty sleeping
• dizziness, drowsiness
• dry mouth
• headache
• hot flashes
• loss of appetite
• menstrual disorder
• nausea, vomiting
• slurred speech
• stomach upset, indigestion
• stuffy, runny nose
• tremor