LAMOTRIGINE – ORAL (lam-OH-try-jeen)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Lamictal
WARNING: Serious, even fatal, rashes have occurred while using this medication. These rashes (e.g., Stevens-Johnson syndrome) are more common in children (less than 16 years old) than in adults. Therefore, lamotrigine should only be used in children who have seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Immediately notify your doctor if you develop any type of rash. If this medication is the cause of the rash, the drug must be stopped. Even after stopping this medication, it is still possible for the rash to cause permanent or fatal scarring along with other problems. The possibility of a rash may be increased by using too much of this medication when treatment begins, increasing the dose beyond what your doctor prescribes during treatment, or taking valproic acid with lamotrigine. Most fatal rashes have occurred within 2 to 8 weeks of starting this medication. However, fatalities have occurred after 6 months of use.
USES: This medication works with other medications to help control seizure disorders. Lamotrigine must not be used in patients under the age of 16 years.
HOW TO TAKE THIS MEDICATION: Take this medication by mouth exactly as prescribed. For best effects, take this medication at evenly spaced times throughout the day and night. This will ensure a constant level of drug in your body. Do not take this more often or increase your dose without consulting your doctor. Do not stop taking this drug suddenly without your doctor’s approval since seizures may reoccur. Notify your doctor if seizure control worsens.
SIDE EFFECTS: Headache, fatigue, drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, weakness, clumsiness may occur the first several days as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your If you develop a rash, stop using this drug and seek immediate medical attention. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor if you have: other illnesses, heart problems, liver problems, kidney problems, allergies (especially drug allergies). Sunscreen and/or protective clothing is recommended to protect against possible severe rash triggered by sunlight. Use caution operating machinery or engaging in activities requiring alertness. Limit alcohol intake while taking this drug. This medication should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This drug is excreted into breast milk. Due to possible risks to nursing infants, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you use, especially of: other medications for seizures (e.g., phenytoin, carbamazepine, valproic acid), phenobarbital, primidone. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include unusual dizziness, headache, sleepiness, and loss of consciousness.
NOTES: Laboratory tests may be done periodically while taking this medication to monitor the effects. See your doctor regularly.
MISSED DOSE: Try to take each dose at the scheduled time. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take it if it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not ‘double-up’ the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store this medication at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from heat, light and moisture. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.
