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Lamotrigine (Lamictal®
and generic forms)
belongs to a group
of medications called
“anticonvulsants” and
“mood stabilizers.”
What is this medication used for? Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you:
Lamotrigine is approved by Health Canada for the • Have allergies or bad reactions to a medication
treatment of seizure disorders (epilepsy) in children • Take (or plan to take) other prescription or non-
2 years of age and older. prescription medications, including natural medicines.
Some medications interact with lamotrigine. Your
When potential benefits outweigh risks, lamotrigine doctor may adjust medication doses or monitor for side
may be prescribed “off-label” for treatment of effects
episodes of depression (low mood) associated with
bipolar disorder, and preventing future depressive or • Have a history of heart, kidney or liver disease,
manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder. seizures, blood disorders, or skin reactions to
medications
Learn more about off-label medication use: • Miss a menstrual period, are pregnant, breast-feeding
or planning a pregnancy
http://bit.ly/KMH-off-label-use
• Use alcohol or drugs. Taking lamotrigine together with
certain substances may cause a bad reaction. Learn
more at www.DrugCocktails.ca
When will the medication start to work? Possible common or serious side effects:
When used to control a depressive episode, Side effects may be more common when starting a medication
lamotrigine needs to be taken for several weeks before or after a dose increase. Talk to your doctor, nurse or
you notice an improvement in symptoms. A delay in pharmacist if any side effect concerns you.
response is normal. • Dizziness, drowsiness, poor coordination or headache
It is important that you continue taking lamotrigine • Double vision or blurred vision
regularly, even if you are feeling well or there are no • Flu-like symptoms
improvements in the first few weeks. Talk with your
doctor if you feel that lamotrigine has not been • Nasal congestion
helpful after 8 weeks of therapy or if side effects are • Stomach ache, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
too bothersome. Your doctor may recommend
switching you to a different medication. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience:
• Rash, swollen glands, hives, sore mouth or eyes, swelling of
lips or tongue
This medication is not addictive. • Appearance of worsening of vocal or motor tics, such as
Do not stop taking it before shrugging, blinking, head turning or muscle twitches
• Fever, nausea, vomiting, headache or stiff neck
talking to your doctor.
• Increased agitation or nervousness
• Increased frequency of seizures
• Thoughts of hurting yourself, suicide, increased hostility or
worsening symptoms
How do I take this medication?
Lamotrigine is usually taken once or twice a day, at the same time(s) each day. You may take it with or without food. Usually,
you will start with a low dose and slowly increase this dose over several days or weeks, based on how you tolerate it. It is
important to follow the dosing schedule given by your doctor to decrease your risk of severe reactions.
There are several forms of lamotrigine: regular tablets and chewable/dispersible tablets. The regular tablets should be
swallowed whole with water, and not chewed, crushed or split. The chewable/dispersible tablet may be swallowed whole,
chewed or dissolved in liquid. To dissolve the tablet, place it in a glass with a teaspoon of water or diluted fruit juice. Wait 1
minute until the tablets are dissolved and then mix the solution well and drink immediately.