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What is Lamictal?
Lamictal is an anti-epileptic medication, also called an anticonvulsant.
Lamictal is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat seizures in adults and children who are at least 2 years old. It is also used to delay mood episodes in adults with bipolar disorder.
Lamictal may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information about Lamictal
Lamictal may cause severe or life-threatening skin rash, especially in children and in people who are allergic to other seizure medications. Serious skin rash may also be more likely to occur if you are taking Lamictal together with valproic acid (Depakene) or divalproex (Depakote). Seek emergency medical attention if you have a fever, sore throat, swollen glands, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash.
If you have to stop taking Lamictal because of a serious skin rash, you may not be able to take it again in the future.
You may have thoughts about suicide while taking Lamictal. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood or behavior changes, depression, anxiety, or if you feel agitated, hostile, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.
Do not stop taking this medication without first talking to your doctor, even if you feel better. You may have increased seizures if you stop taking Lamictal suddenly. You will need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely. Contact your doctor if your seizures get worse or you have them more often while taking Lamictal.
Taking this medication during early pregnancy can increase the risk of the baby being born with cleft lip or cleft palate. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or if you become pregnant during treatment.
How should I take Lamictal?
Take Lamictal exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
The extended-release form of lamotrigine (Lamictal XR) may be used for different conditions than immediate-release lamotrigine is used for. Always check your refills to make sure you have received the correct brand and type of medicine prescribed by your doctor. Ask the pharmacist if you have any questions about the medicine you receive at the pharmacy.
Your doctor may occasionally change your dose over several weeks or months to make sure you get the best results from this medication.
To make sure you are taking the right dose of this medication, your blood may need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.
If you are switching to Lamictal from another anticonvulsant medication, carefully follow your doctor's instructions about timing and dosage when switching from one drug to another.
Lamictal can be taken with or without food.
Take the regular Lamictal tablet with a full glass of water.
To take the chewable dispersible tablet, you may either swallow it whole with a glass of water, or chew it first and then swallow it. You may also place the tablet into 1 teaspoon of water or diluted fruit juice and allow it to disperse in the liquid for about 1 minute. Gently swirl the liquid and then swallow all of the mixture right away. Do not save it for later use.
Do not stop taking Lamictal without first talking to your doctor, even if you feel better. You may have increased seizures if you stop taking Lamictal suddenly. You will need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely. Contact your doctor if your seizures get worse or you have them more often while taking this medication. Carry an ID card or wear a medical alert bracelet stating that you are taking Lamictal, in case of emergency. Any doctor, dentist, or emergency medical care provider who treats you should know that you are taking a seizure medication.
Birth control pills can make Lamictal less effective, which may result in increased seizures. Your Lamictal dose may need to be changed when you start or stop using birth control pills. You may also have side effects during the weeks when you are taking an inactive (placebo) pill from your birth control pack.
Tell your doctor if you plan to stop taking birth control pills.
It is important to use this medication regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.
Store this medication at room temperature away from light and moisture.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
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