What is Lamotrigine? Uses, warnings & side effects

How to take Lamotrigine

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times in the first few weeks.

• It may take several weeks to notice the full effects of lamotrigine treatment.

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

• Lamotrigine can be taken with or without food.

• Using lamotrigine starter kits:

  • To help you during the first few weeks, when doses change every week, a doctor may prescribe a Starter Kit or Patient Titration Kit. 

  • Keep the carton. It has important information.

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

  • It is possible to be given the wrong starter pack. Make sure the information about other medicines on the pack matches what you are or are not taking. You can consult with the pharmacist if you’re uncertain.

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

  • How to take the pills and in what order will be illustrated on the carton. 

• How to take lamotrigine tablets:

  • Tablets are scored to allow them to be divided into two smaller doses. If a doctor instructs you to divide tablets, make sure you know how to do it correctly.

  • Swallow the tablet whole.

  • The tablets can be chewed but will taste very bitter.

  • Store lamotrigine tablets at room temperature in a dry place and protected from light.

• How to take lamotrigine extended-release tablets:

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

  • Store lamotrigine extended-release tablets at room temperature.

• How to take lamotrigine chewable tablets or tablets for oral suspension:

  • Lamotrigine chewable, dispersible tablets, and tablets for oral suspension are the same thing. 

  • You can swallow the tablet whole, chew it, or dissolve it in one teaspoon of water or diluted fruit juice.

  • Do not cut the tablet.

  • Place the tablet in just enough water to cover it.

  • Let it dissolve for one minute.

  • Mix or swirl the liquid.

  • Swallow all the liquid right away.

  • Store lamotrigine chewable, dispersible tablets at room temperature in a dry place.

• How to take lamotrigine orally disintegrating tablets:

  • 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.

  • The dose can be swallowed with or without a drink of water.

  • Store lamotrigine ODT tablets at room temperature.

What to do if you miss a dose of Lamotrigine

• Take a dose as soon as you remember. 

• If it is almost time for the next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. 

• Do not take two doses to make up for a missed dose.

Lamotrigine contraindications - Who shouldn't take Lamotrigine?

• This medicine is not right for everyone. 

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

Lamotrigine warnings

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

• The doctor will need to perform regular examinations and lab tests to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or if you have:

  • Kidney disease

  • Liver disease

  • Heart problems

  • Irregular or fast heartbeats

  • A family history of heart problems

  • A history of depression or other mood disorders

  • Any history of meningitis when taking lamotrigine

  • A history of rash or allergies to other seizure medications

• 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

  • Eye or vision problems 

• This medicine may make you dizzy, drowsy, or uncoordinated. It can also affect your vision. Do not drive or do anything else that could be hazardous until you know how this medicine affects you.

• 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.

Lamotrigine interactions & what to avoid when taking Lamotrigine

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

  • Birth control pills

  • Female hormone medications

  • Other anticonvulsants

  • HIV/AIDS drugs called protease inhibitors

  • Dofetilide, metformin, rifampin

• Taking acetaminophen for pain or fever may reduce the effectiveness of lamotrigine at controlling seizures or mood. Ask the prescriber for medical advice.

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

Find out more about lamotrigine interactions to avoid here.