Lamotrigine 25mg

Anticonvulsant

“Alert: Black Box Warning

Serious skin rashes:

Lamotrigine can cause serious rashes requiring hospitalization and discontinuation of treatment. The incidence of these rashes, which have included Stevens-Johnson syndrome, is approximately 0.3% to 0.8% in pediatric patients (2 to 17 years of age) and 0.08% to 0.3% in adults receiving lamotrigine.”

CSA NA – FDA Approved – REMS (N) – Can Ship  

The exact mechanism of action of Lamotrigine, Lamictal is not known.  However, it has been shown to selectively bind to sodium channels and stabilize presynaptic neurons in addition to inhibiting glutamate release. 

Bipolar disorder, focal (partial) onset seizures and generalized onset seizures.

Before starting Lamotrigine, Lamictal make sure your physician is aware of any allergies and medications you currently take.  There are a number of serious adverse reactions that can occur when taking Lamotrigine, Lamictal including aseptic meningitis, blood dyscrasias (i.e. neutropenia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, pancytopenia, anemia, and aplastic anemia), dizziness, drowsiness, multiorgan hypersensitivity and serious skin rashes.

Oral: 25mg to 600mg daily depending upon dosage form and indication.

How to Take: 

Oral Chewable Tablet: May be chewed, dispersed in water, or diluted fruit juice, or swallowed whole. To disperse tablets, add to a small amount of liquid (just enough to cover tablet); let sit ~1 minute until dispersed; swirl solution and consume immediately. Do not administer partial amounts of liquid. If tablets are chewed, a small amount of water or diluted fruit juice should be used to aid in swallowing.

Orally Dissolving Tablet: Place tablets on tongue and move around in the mouth. Tablets will dissolve rapidly and can be swallowed with or without food or water.

Extended Release Tablet: Administer without regard to meals. Swallow whole; do not chew, crush, or cut.

Nausea, vomiting, constipation, dyspepsia, abdominal pain, anorexia, peptic ulcer, chest pain, edema, insomnia, drowsiness, fatigue, ataxia, pain, agitation, emotional lability, confusion, skin rash, increased libido, weight loss or gain, dysmenorrhea, urinary frequency, rectal hemorrhage, infection, muscle and joint pain, visual disturbances, rhinitis, cough, bronchitis, shortness of breath, infections. 

Note this is not a complete list of side effects for Lamotrigine, Lamictal only common ones.

1. Why do I feel so down/depressed since starting this medication? /Why am I having mood swings since starting this medication?
   Rarely antiepileptic medications such as this can cause mood or behavior changes and in severe cases result in suicidal ideation.  If you are feeling any of these things or family members are reporting mood or behavioral changes, see your physician immediately to discuss your options as it could be a result of this medication.  Many scenarios where this medication is used can also result in these mood or behavioural changes so it is important to be open and honest with your physician about your feelings to make sure they have all of the information to treat you.
2. Why would my physician prescribe a medication with such serious side effects?
   Your physician takes the most recent clinical guidelines to make evidence-based decisions on what medication is appropriate in which situations.  Your current medications, your allergies, age, cost of medication, comorbid conditions and many other factors will further complicate or limit which medications are appropriate.  This medication is used for many serious conditions and your physician has determined the benefits outweigh the risks.   Furthermore, they will be monitoring your bloodwork and symptoms closely to see if any serious complications are starting to arise and be able to adjust therapy to prevent progression.