What is Lamictal? Uses, warnings & side effects

How to take Lamictal

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

• Chewable tablet or Tablet for suspension: You may swallow the tablet whole, or you may chew it and then swallow a small amount of water or diluted fruit juice. You may also dissolve the chewable tablet. To do this, put about 1 teaspoon of water or juice in a glass, drop in the tablet, let it sit for about 1 minute so it dissolves, swirl the glass to mix, and then swallow the entire mixture.

• Disintegrating tablet: Make sure your hands are dry before you handle the tablet. Place the tablet on your tongue. Move the tablet around in your mouth so it dissolves.

• Regular tablet: Swallow the tablet whole. You may break or crush the tablet if your doctor tells you to, but the medicine might leave a bitter taste in your mouth.

• Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.

• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not use if the blister pack is torn or broken.

• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

• Disintegrating tablet: Make sure your hands are dry before you handle the tablet. Place the tablet on your tongue. Move the tablet around in your mouth so it dissolves.

• Chewable tablet or Tablet for suspension: You may swallow the tablet whole, or you may chew it and then swallow a small amount of water or diluted fruit juice. You may also dissolve the chewable tablet. To do this, put about 1 teaspoon of water or juice in a glass, drop in the tablet, let it sit for about 1 minute so it dissolves, swirl the glass to mix, and then swallow the entire mixture.

• Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not use if the blister pack is torn or broken.

• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

• Regular tablet: Swallow the tablet whole. You may break or crush the tablet if your doctor tells you to, but the medicine might leave a bitter taste in your mouth.

What to do if you miss a dose of Lamictal

Lamictal contraindications - Who shouldn't take Lamictal?

• This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to lamotrigine.

Lamictal warnings

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease (including heart attack, heart failure), heart rhythm problems, or a history of depression. Tell your doctor if you have had a rash or an allergic reaction to other seizure medicines.

• This medicine may cause the following problems:Serious skin reactionHemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, a rare disorder which may be life-threateningDrug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), which may damage organs, including the liver, kidney, or heartIncreased risk of thoughts of suicide or other serious mood changesMeningitis (swelling of the membrane covering the brain and spinal cord)Eye or vision problems

• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

• This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.

• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.

• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

• Yellow skin or eyes

Lamictal interactions & what to avoid when taking Lamictal

• Some medicines can affect how lamotrigine works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:Atazanavir/ritonavir, dofetilide, lopinavir/ritonavir, rifampinBirth control pillsOther medicine to control seizures (including carbamazepine, divalproex, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone, valproate, valproic acid)

• This medicine may cause the following problems:Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), which may damage organs such as the liver, kidney, or heartIncreased risk of thoughts of suicide or other serious mood changesLow blood cell counts, which may cause bleeding problems or increase your risk for infectionMeningitisSevere skin rash that can lead to hospitalization or death

• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.

• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.