Lamictal

For Bipolar Disorder

Lamictal NOT combined with Depakene, Depakote, Tegretol, Dilantin, Phenobarbital, or Mysoline

One 25-milligram dose of Lamictal per day for weeks 1 and 2, then 50 milligrams per day for weeks 3 and 4, then 100 milligrams a day for week 5. After that, your doctor will have you take a total of 200 milligrams a day.

Lamictal combined with Depakene or Depakote

One 25-milligram dose of Lamictal every other day for weeks 1 and 2, then 25 milligrams once a day for weeks 3 and 4, then 50 milligrams a day for week 5. After that, your doctor will have you take a total of 100 milligrams a day.

Lamictal combined with Tegretol, Dilantin, Phenobarbital, or Mysoline

One 50-milligram dose of Lamictal per day for weeks 1 and 2, then 50 milligrams twice a day for weeks 3 and 4, then 100 milligrams twice a day for week 5. After that, your doctor will have you take a total of 300 to 400 milligrams a day, divided into 2 doses.

If you are currently taking Lamictal and the doctor tells you to stop taking any of the medications listed above--or you start or stop taking oral contraceptives or psychiatric drugs--the doctor may need to adjust your Lamictal dose accordingly.

Because there is little data on the use of Lamictal in people with liver or kidney impairment, the drug should be used with caution. The doctor may have you take less than the usual dose and raise it based on your body's response.

CHILDREN 2 YEARS OF AGE AND OLDER

For Seizures

Lamictal can be added to other epilepsy drugs prescribed for children under 16 who have partial seizures or a serious form of epilepsy known as Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Doses for children under 12 are based on the child's weight. Children 12 and older receive the adult dose. Doses are increased gradually from a low starting level to limit the risk of severe rash. Lamictal is not used as a replacement drug for children under 16.

For Bipolar Disorder

Due to the lack of clinical studies, Lamictal is not recommended for treating bipolar disorder in children under 18 years old.

Overdosage

A massive overdose of Lamictal can be fatal. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical treatment immediately.

• Symptoms of Lamictal overdose may include:
  Coma, decreased level of consciousness, delayed heartbeat, increased seizures, lack of coordination, rolling eyeballs