Lamotrigine Oral
In Depth
- Uses and How to Use
- Dosage and Storage
- Precautions and Side Effects
- Drug Interactions
- Drug Images
Pronounced: (lam-OH-try-jeen)
Lamotrigine Oral Warning
Rarely, serious (sometimes fatal) skin rashes have occurred while taking this medication. These rashes (e.g., Stevens-Johnson syndrome) are more common in children under 16 than in adults. Therefore, lamotrigine should not be used in children except for the treatment of partial seizures or seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.
Rashes may be more likely if you start at too high a dose, if your dose increases too quickly, or if you take it with certain anti-seizure medications (valproic acid, divalproex). Most serious rashes occur within 2 to 8 weeks of starting lamotrigine, but such rashes may occur anytime during use. (See also Side Effects section.)
Seek immediate medical attention if you develop any type of skin rash while taking this medication, or if you have hives, fever, swollen lymph glands, painful sores in the mouth or around the eyes, or swelling of the lips or tongue. Your doctor will tell you if you should stop taking lamotrigine. Even after you stop taking this medication, it is still possible for the rash to become life-threatening or cause permanent scars or other problems.
Lamotrigine Oral Side Effects
Dizziness, headache, blurred/double vision, nasal congestion, lack of coordination, shaking (tremor), muscle weakness, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, painful menstrual cramps, difficulty sleeping, and lower stomach/abdominal discomfort may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur:
- unusual mental/mood changes
This medication rarely may cause mood or behavior changes, such as anxiety, agitation, hostility, pressured/rapid speech, or thoughts of suicide. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop unusual (possibly sudden) mood changes.
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