Drug Name

Lamictal (Lamotrigine)

Drug Uses

Lamictal is used in combination with other anti-seizure drugs in the treatment of some types of seizures. It as well as is used alone for treating partial seizures in patients of 16 years aged as well as older when converting from the anti-epileptic drug valproate.

How Taken

The initial dose of lamictal in patients, not using valproic acid (Depakote), is 50 mg once daily for two weeks, followed by 100 mg daily, given in two divided doses for two weeks. Thereafter, the usual maintenance dose is 300 to 500 mg daily, given in two divided doses. In patients using valproic acid, the initial dose of lamictal is 25 mg every other day for two weeks, then 25 mg once daily for two weeks, slowly increasing the dose (by 25 to 50 mg per day) every one to two weeks) until a dose of 100 to 150 mg daily is reached. Standard doses of lamictal are given twice daily.

Drug Class as well as Mechanism

Lamictal is an oral drug that is used for treating seizures. It is chemically unrelated to other anti-seizure drugs. The precise mechanism by which lamictal exerts its anti-seizure action is not known.

Missed Dose

Try to take each dose at the scheduled time. Incase you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take it incase it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose as well as 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, as well as moisture. Brief storage between 59 as well as 86 degrees F (15 as well as 30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep this as well as all medications out of the reach of children.

Warnings/Precautions

Rarely, humorless (sometimes fatal) skin rashes possess occurred while using this medication. These rashes (e.g., Stevens-Johnson syndrome) are more ordinary in children (less than 16 years old) than in adults. Therefore, lamictal should only be used in children who possess partial seizures or seizures, associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Immediately notify your doctor incase you develop any type of rash. Incase this medication is the cause of the rash, the drug must be stopped. Even after stopping this medication, it is still likely 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 medication when treatment begins, increasing the dose beyond what your doctor prescribes during treatment, or using valproic acid with lamictal. Most life-threatening rashes possess occurred within 2 to 8 weeks of starting this medication. But, such humorless rashes possess as well as occurred after 6 months of take.Tell your doctor incase you have: other illnesses, heart problems, liver problems, kidney problems, allergies (especially drug allergies). Sunscreen and/or protective clothing is recommended to protect against a likely very bad rash, triggered by sunlight. Take caution operating machinery or engaging in activities, requiring alertness. Limit alcohol intake while using this drug. This medication should be used only incase clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks as well as benefits with your doctor. This drug is excreted into breast milk. Due to likely risks to nursing infants, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor.

Likely Side Effects

Headache, fatigue, drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, weakness, clumsiness may occur the earliest several days as your body adjusts to the medication. Incase any of these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Incase you develop a rash, halt using this drug as well as seek immediate health examination attention. In the unlikely event you possess an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate health examination attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, hives, fever, swollen glands, swelling of the lips or tongue, painful sores in the mouth or around the eyes, very bad dizziness, trouble breathing. Incase you notice other effects, not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

More Information

Laboratory tests may be done periodically while using this medication to monitor the effects. See your doctor regularly.