DRUGS AND SUPPLEMENTS

Lamotrigine extended-release tablets

April 29, 2018

Lamotrigine extended-release tablets

What is this medicine?

LAMOTRIGINE (la MOE tri jeen) is used to control seizures in adults and children with epilepsy.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow these tablets whole. Do not chew, crush, or divide them. If this medicine upsets your stomach, take it with food or milk. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each new prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 13 years of age, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

  • changes in vision

  • depressed mood

  • elevated mood, decreased need for sleep, racing thoughts, impulsive behavior

  • fever with rash, swollen lymph nodes, or swelling of the face

  • loss of balance or coordination

  • mouth sores

  • redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

  • right upper belly pain

  • seizures

  • severe muscle pain

  • signs and symptoms of aseptic meningitis such as stiff neck and sensitivity to light, headache, drowsiness, fever, nausea, vomiting, rash

  • signs of infection - fever or chills, cough, sore throat, pain or difficulty passing urine

  • suicidal thoughts or other mood changes

  • swollen lymph nodes

  • trouble walking

  • unusual bruising or bleeding

  • unusually weak or tired

  • yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

  • diarrhea

  • dizziness

  • dry mouth

  • stuffy nose

  • tiredness

  • tremors

  • trouble sleeping

What may interact with this medicine?

  • atazanavir

  • carbamazepine

  • female hormones, including contraceptive or birth control pills

  • lopinavir

  • methotrexate

  • phenobarbital

  • phenytoin

  • primidone

  • pyrimethamine

  • rifampin

  • ritonavir

  • trimethoprim

  • valproic acid

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • aseptic meningitis during prior use of lamotrigine

  • depression

  • folate deficiency

  • kidney disease

  • liver disease

  • suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt; a previous suicide attempt by you or a family member

  • an unusual or allergic reaction to lamotrigine or other seizure medications, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Wear a Medic Alert bracelet or necklace. Carry an identification card with information about your condition, medicines, and doctor or health care professional.

It is important to take this medicine exactly as directed. When first starting treatment, your dose will need to be adjusted slowly. It may take weeks or months before your dose is stable. You should contact your doctor or health care professional if your seizures get worse or if you have any new types of seizures. Do not stop taking this medicine unless instructed by your doctor or health care professional. Stopping your medicine suddenly can increase your seizures or their severity.

Contact your doctor or health care professional right away if you develop a rash while taking this medicine. Rashes may be very severe and sometimes require treatment in the hospital. Deaths from rashes have occurred. Serious rashes occur more often in children than adults taking this medicine. It is more common for these serious rashes to occur during the first 2 months of treatment, but a rash can occur at any time.

You may get drowsy, dizzy, or have blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. To reduce dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol can increase drowsiness and dizziness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

The use of this medicine may increase the chance of suicidal thoughts or actions. Pay special attention to how you are responding while on this medicine. Any worsening of mood, or thoughts of suicide or dying should be reported to your health care professional right away.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.

Women who become pregnant while using this medicine may enroll in the North American Antiepileptic Drug Pregnancy Registry by calling 1-888-233-2334. This registry collects information about the safety of antiepileptic drug use during pregnancy.

Updated:  

April 29, 2018