Lamotrigine

Expert Advice

Dosage Forms Available

• Lamotrigine is available in various oral dosage forms including regular tablets, extended-release tablets, chewable dispersible tablets, and orally disintegrating tablets.

Age and Dose Restrictions

• Lamotrigine is meant for adults as well as children aged 2 years and older.

Contraindications

• Lamotrigine is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to it or any of the components in its formulation. It is also contraindicated in patients suffering from Brugada syndrome, a rare heart rhythm disorder.

Other Medications to Avoid

• This medicine may interact with other antiepileptic drugs (such as valproate, carbamazepine, phenytoin, primidone, phenobarbital), hormonal contraceptives (including oral contraceptives containing oestrogen), and certain antibiotics and antivirals (like rifampin, azole antifungals, lopinavir/ritonavir).

Overdose and Missed Dose

• Overdosing on Lamotrigine may lead to symptoms like rapid eye movements, clumsiness, loss of consciousness and coma. Immediate medical attention is required if these symptoms occur.

• If you miss a dose of Lamotrigine, take it as soon as you remember. However, avoid taking a double dose to make up for the missed one.

Management of Side Effects

Most side effects are temporary and generally harmless and resolve when discontinuing this medicine. However, if you experience any severe side effects or worsening of any of the symptoms, please consult your doctor.

• For mild nausea or vomiting, taking your medication with food may help.

• If you experience dizziness or lack of coordination, avoid sudden movements and get out of bed slowly.

Use in Driving and Operating Machinery

• Lamotrigine may cause dizziness, lack of coordination, double vision or blurred vision which may affect your ability to drive or operate heavy machinery. It is advised to avoid such activities until you know how this medicine affects you.

Use in Pregnancy and Lactation

• Lamotrigine falls under pregnancy category C. There is a potential risk of fetal harm based on animal studies. Lamotrigine is secreted into breast milk. Hence breastfeeding is generally not recommended while taking this medicine.

Caution in Other Conditions

• Patients with liver or kidney disease should exercise caution while using Lamotrigine as it may require dosage adjustments. Patients with a history of depression or suicidal thoughts should also be monitored closely when taking this medication.

Special Dietary and Lifestyle Recommendations

• If you are on Lamotrigine for epilepsy, avoid skipping meals as it may trigger seizures.

• Regular sleep is crucial. Try to go to bed and get up at the same time every day to help control seizures.

• Alcohol can increase the risk of side effects from Lamotrigine, so it is advisable to limit your intake.

• Regular exercise can help reduce stress levels which can trigger seizures or bipolar disorder episodes.

Frequently asked questions

Terms & Conditions