Lamotrigine ( la-MOE-tri-jeen) is used to help control some types of seizures in the treatment of epilepsy. This medicine cannot cure epilepsy and will only work to control seizures for as long as you continue to take it.

Lamotrigine is available only with your doctors prescription, in the following dosage form:

Oral
Chewable/Dispersible Tablets (U.S.)
Tablets (U.S. and Canada)

WARNING: Rarely, serious (sometimes fatal) skin rashes have occurred while using this medicine. These rashes, including 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 partial seizures or seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Immediately notify your doctor if you develop any type of rash. If this medicine is the cause of the rash, the medicine must be stopped. Even after stopping this medicine, it is still possible for the rash to cause permanent or life-threatening scarring along with other problems. The possibility of a rash may be increased by using too much of this medicine when treatment begins, increasing the dose beyond what your doctor prescribes during treatment, or taking valproic acid with lamotrigine. Most life-threatening rashes have occurred within 2 to 8 weeks of starting this medicine. However, serious rashes have also occurred after 6 months of use. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking other medicines for seizures (e.g., phenytoin, carbamazepine, valproic acid, methsuximide, phenobarbital, primidone), or birth-control pills. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions such skin rashes, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common
Skin rash


Less common
Increase in seizures


Rare
Blistering, peeling, or loosening of skin; dark-colored urine; fever, chills, and/or sore throat ; flu-like symptoms; itching ; muscle cramps, pain, or weakness; red or irritated eyes; small red or purple spots on skin; sores, ulcers, or white spots on lips or in mouth; swelling of face, mouth, hands, or feet; swollen lymph nodes; trouble in breathing; unusual bleeding or bruising ; unusual tiredness or weakness; yellow eyes or skin


Symptoms of overdose
Clumsiness or unsteadiness (severe); coma; continuous, uncontrolled back and forth and/or rolling eye movements (severe); dizziness (severe) ; drowsiness (severe); dryness of mouth (severe); headache (severe); increased heart rate; slurred speech (severe)


Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

More common
Blurred or double vision or other changes in vision; clumsiness or unsteadiness; poor coordination


Less common
Anxiety, confusion, depression, irritability, or other mood or mental changes; chest pain; continuous, uncontrolled back and forth and/or rolling eye movements; infection


Rare
Memory loss


Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:

More common
Dizziness (more common in women); drowsiness ; headache; nausea; vomiting


Less common
Constipation; diarrhea; dryness of mouth; indigestion; loss of strength; menstrual pain; pain; runny nose; slurred speech; trembling or shaking; trouble in sleeping; unusual weight loss


Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include unusual dizziness, severe headache, unusual sleepiness, involuntary eye movements, and loss of consciousness.

DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

This medicine is an anticonvulsant used alone or with other medicines to treat seizure disorders. Use of lamotrigine in children age 2 to 15 years of age is restricted to those having certain types of seizures (partial or Lennox-Gastaut type). Lamotrigine is also used in bipolar disorder to reduce the occurrence of mood problems. This medicine may be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

To store this medicine:

Keep out of the reach of children.
Store away from heat and direct light.
Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.

It is important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits, especially during the first few months of your treatment with lamotrigine. This will allow your doctor to change your dose, if necessary, and will help reduce any unwanted effects.

This medicine may increase the effects of alcohol and other central nervous system (CNS) depressants (medicines that make you drowsy or less alert). Some examples of CNS depressants are antihistamines or medicine for hay fever, other allergies, or colds; sedatives, tranquilizers, or sleeping medicine; prescription pain medicine or narcotics; barbiturates; medicine for seizures; muscle relaxants; or anesthetics, including some dental anesthetics. Check with your doctor before taking any of the above while you are using this medicine.

Lamotrigine may cause blurred vision, double vision, clumsiness, unsteadiness, dizziness, or drowsiness. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert, well-coordinated, or able to see well. If these reactions are especially bothersome, check with your doctor.

Skin rash may be a sign of a serious unwanted effect. Check with your doctor immediately if you develop a rash, fever, flu-like symptoms, or swollen glands, or if your seizures increase.

Do not stop taking lamotrigine without first checking with your doctor. Stopping this medicine suddenly may cause your seizures to return or to occur more often. Your doctor may want you to gradually reduce the amount you are taking before stopping completely.