What is Lamotrigine ER? Uses, warnings & side effects

How to take Lamotrigine ER

• Follow all the prescriber’s instructions. 

• Please read the Medication Guide that comes with the medicine.

• The dose will change several times at the start of therapy.

• Do not take more than prescribed or take lamotrigine ER tablets more often than prescribed.

• Take only one dose daily.

• Take doses with or without food.

• Swallow the tablets whole. Do not crush, break, or chew them.

• If you are prescribed the Lamictal XR Patient Titration Kit:

  • The Patient Titration Kit is intended for people starting lamotrigine ER for partial-onset seizures or tonic-clonic seizures. 

  • There are three types of starter kits. They are color-coded and list the other medicines you may or may not be taking. 

  • Make sure the information about other medicines on the pack matches what you are or are not taking. 

  • You can ask the pharmacist if you’re uncertain you have the correct kit.

  • The kit has enough medicine for the first five weeks of treatment.

  • Dosages change each week, so the pills are packaged in blister packs. They are organized by day and week.

  • Unfold the starter kit. The first week’s doses are on the left and the last week’s doses are on the right. Each day is listed from Day 1 to Day 35.

  • Confirm that the tablets you’ve received match the pictures and counts printed on the package. If not, call the pharmacist.

  • Take each week’s pill or pills in order from Day 1 to Day 35. 

  • Do not remove any tablet from the package until you’re ready to take it.

  • Ask the prescriber what to do in case a dose is missed.

• Store lamotrigine ER tablets at room temperature.

What to do if you miss a dose of Lamotrigine ER

• Take the missed dose as soon as possible. 

• If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at its regular time. 

• Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose.

Lamotrigine ER contraindications - Who shouldn't take Lamotrigine ER?

• This medicine is not right for everyone. 

• Do not use it if you have had an allergic reaction to lamotrigine.

Lamotrigine ER warnings

• Tell any doctor or other healthcare professional who treats you that you are taking lamotrigine. This medicine may alter the results of some medical tests.

• Regular doctor’s visits and lab tests are needed to monitor treatment. Keep all appointments.

• Tell the prescriber if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or if you have:

  • Heart problems

  • A family history of heart problems

  • Irregular or fast heartbeats

  • A history of depression, suicidal thoughts, or other mood problems

  • Any history of aseptic meningitis when taking lamotrigine

  • A history of rash or allergies to other seizure medications

  • Severe kidney problems

  • Severe liver problems

• This medicine may cause the following problems:

  • Serious skin reactions

  • Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, a rare and potentially fatal blood disorder

  • Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), which may damage organs, including the liver, kidney, or heart

  • Suicidal thoughts or behaviors

  • Mood changes

  • Aseptic meningitis (swelling around the brain and spinal cord)

  • Vision problems 

• This medicine may make you dizzy, drowsy, or uncoordinated. It can also affect your vision. Do not drive or do any other risky activity until you’re familiar with the effects of this medicine.

• You may get infections more easily when taking lamotrigine. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.

• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. To prevent withdrawal seizures, the doctor will need to slowly decrease the dose when it’s time to stop.

• If you do stop taking lamotrigine, inform the prescriber. You may not be able to start retaking lamotrigine at your current dose.

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

Lamotrigine ER interactions & what to avoid when taking Lamotrigine ER

• To avoid drug interactions, tell the prescriber about all the prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements you take, particularly:

  • Birth control pills

  • Other forms of hormonal birth control

  • Other anticonvulsants

  • HIV/AIDS drugs called protease inhibitors

  • Dofetilide, metformin, rifampin

• Ask the prescriber if you plan to use over-the-counter acetaminophen. Taking acetaminophen for any reason may reduce the effectiveness of lamotrigine at controlling seizures. 

• Tell the prescriber if you start or plan to start birth control pills or other form of hormonal contraception.

  • If you are using hormonal birth control, immediately tell the prescriber about any unusual changes in menstruation, such as breakthrough bleeding.

• Tell the prescriber if you get a skin rash while taking this medicine. It may be a sign of a serious problem caused by lamotrigine.

• Tell other healthcare providers you are using lamotrigine before they prescribe new medications.

Find out more about lamotrigine interactions to avoid here.