Lamotrigine: Uses, Side Effects, and Safe Tips

Lamotrigine is a medication used mainly to treat epilepsy and bipolar disorder. It lowers the chance of seizures and helps prevent depressive episodes in bipolar people. Doctors often pick it because it can be effective with fewer daytime drowsiness effects than some older drugs. Treatment starts slow and builds up to a maintenance dose to reduce the risk of a dangerous skin reaction.

Typical adult dosing varies. For adults not on interacting drugs, common buildup goes 25 mg once daily for two weeks, then 50 mg once daily for two weeks, then 100 mg once daily, moving up per doctor advice. If you take valproate the rise must be much slower because valproate raises lamotrigine levels and boosts rash risk. Your prescriber will give a clear schedule.

Common side effects include dizziness, headache, double vision, sleep problems, and nausea. Many people tolerate it well and side effects often ease after a few weeks. A small number can get a serious skin reaction such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Any new rash, mouth sores, fever, or swollen glands needs same day medical attention.

Tell your doctor about other drugs and supplements. Enzyme inducers like carbamazepine can lower lamotrigine levels and need higher doses. Valproate does the opposite and makes levels go up. Hormonal birth control can change lamotrigine blood levels during use and after stopping, your doctor may adjust the dose. Do not stop lamotrigine suddenly because seizures can return.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding raise special questions. Some studies show lamotrigine levels fall during pregnancy so dose may need to rise to keep seizure control. After delivery levels can fall back quickly and dose may need lowering. If you are pregnant or planning pregnancy talk to your neurologist or obstetrician, they will balance seizure risk versus drug risk and check levels when needed.

Labs are not required for everyone, but your doctor may monitor drug levels if problems show up or during pregnancy. Keep a current list of medicines, including over the counter drugs and supplements, so you can avoid interactions. Carry a card or note that says you take lamotrigine if you have seizures, that helps emergency staff.

Call your doctor right away for any rash, severe fever, swollen face, or new blisters. Also call if seizures increase or if you feel very faint or confused. For milder side effects like mild dizziness or nausea the team may adjust timing or dose.

Lamotrigine requires a prescription. Buy it from licensed pharmacies only and keep track of batch numbers and expiry dates. Be careful with online sellers, choose ones that ask for a prescription and show clear contact information. Cheap pills from unknown sources can be fake or poor quality.

Quick tips: take doses at the same time each day, store pills dry and away from heat, do not crush extended release forms, and check in with your prescriber if you miss doses. If you are switching brands ask the pharmacist because different formulations sometimes feel different.