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What is Lamictal
 The
exact way that Lamictal works is unknown. However, it is believed
that Lamictal affects chemicals in the brain involved in seizures
and in bipolar disorder.
Lamictal
is used alone or in combination with other medications in
the treatment of seizures. Lamictal is also used in the treatment
of bipolar disorder.
Lamictal
may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this
medication guide.
General medical information about Lamictal
In rare cases, Lamictal has been associated with
severe and/or life-threatening rashes and hypersensitivity
reactions. Seek emergency medical attention or contact your
doctor immediately if you develop any skin rash; fever;
hives; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; sores in the
mouth or around the eyes; or swollen lymph glands.
Seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor
immediately if you experience increasing frequency or worsening
of seizures during treatment with Lamictal .
Do not
stop taking Lamictal without first talking to your doctor,
even if you feel better. It is important to continue taking
Lamictal to prevent symptoms from recurring. Stopping Lamictal
suddenly may result in increased seizure frequency or a
return of symptoms of bipolar disorder. If the medication
needs to be stopped, your doctor may need to lower the dosage
gradually.
Carry or wear a medical identification
tag to let others know that you are taking this medicine
in the case of an emergency.
Lamictal may cause drowsiness,
dizziness, blurred vision, or poor coordination. Do not
drive, operate dangerous machinery, or perform other hazardous
activities until you know how Lamictal affects you. If you
experience drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, or poor
coordination, avoid these activities.
What you should find out before taking Lamictal In rare cases, Lamictal has been associated with
severe and/or life-threatening rashes and hypersensitivity
reactions. Seek emergency medical attention or contact your
doctor immediately if you develop any skin rash; fever;
hives; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; sores in the
mouth or around the eyes; or swollen lymph glands.
Before taking Lamictal , tell your doctor if you have heart,
liver, or kidney disease or other serious medical problems.
You may not be able to take Lamictal , or you may require
a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.
Lamictal is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This
means that it is not known whether Lamictal will be harmful
to an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first
talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become
pregnant during treatment.
Lamictal passes into breast
milk and may affect a nursing infant. Do not take Lamictal
without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding
a baby.
How should take Lamictal Take Lamictal exactly as directed by your doctor.
If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist,
nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each
oral dose of Lamictal with a full glass of water.
Swallow the regular (nonchewable) Lamictal tablets whole.
The tablets may have a very bitter taste if chewed, crushed,
or broken.
The chewable, dispersible tablets can
be swallowed whole, chewed, or mixed in water or diluted
fruit juice. If you chew these tablets, drink a small amount
of water or diluted fruit juice to aid in swallowing. To
disperse these tablets, add the tablet(s) to a small amount
of liquid (1 teaspoon or enough to cover the medication)
in a glass or spoon. Approximately 1 minute later, when
the tablet is completely dispersed, mix the solution and
take the entire amount immediately.
Lamictal can
be taken with or without food.
It is important to
take Lamictal regularly to get the most benefit.
The dose of Lamictal must be increased slowly. It may be
several weeks or months before the optimal dose can be determined.
Do not stop taking Lamictal without first talking
to your doctor, even if you feel better. It is important
to continue taking Lamictal to prevent symptoms from recurring.
Stopping Lamictal suddenly may result in increased seizure
frequency or a return of symptoms of bipolar disorder. If
the medication needs to be stopped, your doctor may need
to lower the dosage gradually.
If treatment with
Lamictal is stopped for any reason, contact your doctor
before restarting the medication. A lower dose may be needed
to prevent side effects from occurring.
Do not take
more of this medication than is prescribed by your doctor.
Your doctor may want you to have blood tests or other
medical evaluations during treatment with Lamictal to monitor
progress and side effects.
Carry or wear a medical
identification tag to let others know that you are taking
this medicine in the case of an emergency.
Store
this medication at room temperature away from light and
moisture.
If you miss a dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However,
if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you
missed and take only the next regularly scheduled dose.
Do not take a double dose of this medication.
What happens if you overdose: Seek emergency medical treatment.
Symptoms
of a Lamictal overdose include dizziness, drowsiness, headache,
increased seizures, and unconsciousness.
Avoid while taking Lamictal Do not drink alcohol while taking Lamictal . Alcohol
may increase drowsiness or dizziness caused by Lamictal
. Alcohol may also increase the risk of seizures.
Lamictal may cause drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision,
or poor coordination. Do not drive, operate dangerous machinery,
or perform other hazardous activities until you know how
Lamictal affects you. If you experience drowsiness, dizziness,
blurred vision, or poor coordination, avoid these activities.
Possible side effects of Lamictal In rare cases, Lamictal has been associated with
severe and/or life-threatening rashes and hypersensitivity
reactions. Seek emergency medical attention or contact your
doctor immediately if you develop any skin rash; fever;
hives; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; sores in the
mouth or around the eyes; or swollen lymph glands.
Seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor
immediately if you experience increasing frequency or worsening
of seizures during treatment with Lamictal .
Other,
less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue
to take Lamictal and talk to your doctor if you experience
- dizziness or drowsiness;
- blurred or double
vision;
- nausea and vomiting;
- headache;
or
- lack of coordination.
Side effects other
than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor
about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially
bothersome.
What other drugs will affect Lamictal Lamictal interacts with many other drugs used to
treat seizures. Before taking Lamictal , tell your doctor
about all other medications you are taking. You may require
a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment
if you are taking Lamictal alone or with other medications
to treat seizures. Continue to take all medications prescribed
to treat seizures exactly as directed.
Birth control
pills may decrease the amount of Lamictal in the body. A
dosage adjustment may be necessary if birth control pills
are started or stopped during treatment with Lamictal .
Lamictal may increase the effects of other drugs
that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol,
antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), pain
relievers, anxiety medicines, and muscle relaxants. Dangerous
sedation, dizziness, or drowsiness may occur if Lamictal
is taken with any of these medications.
Drugs
other than those listed here may also interact with Lamictal
. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription
or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals,
and herbal products. |
