Lamictal (Lamotrigine)

Lamictal (Lamotrigine) Medication Information

Uses

Lamictal is an antiepileptic that is used to treat partial and tonic-clonic seizures and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. 

Dosage

The tablets are available in several different strengths:

• 25 mg
• 100 mg
• 150 mg
• 200 mg

Side Effects

The most common side effects of Lamictal include:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Somnolence
• Rhinitis
• Pharyngitis
• Rash 

Speak with your doctor for a full list of side effects that apply to you if you are taking Lamotrigine.

Precautions

There is a risk of developing a life threatening skin rash with Lamictal use. 

Drop in blood counts can occur with Lamotrigine use, so blood counts should be monitored in patients. 

There is a risk of aseptic meningitis, so patients should be monitored for symptoms of meningitis. 

Interactions

The most common drug interactions with Lamictal include:

• Valproate
• Estrogen contraceptive
• Lopinavir
• Ritonavir
• Cationic transporter

Speak with your doctor for more information and before starting a new medication with Lamotrigine. 

Storage

Store at room temperature (77 ºF).

Pharmacist Tips

• Because of the risk of life threatening rash, patients should be monitored for rash during treatment of Lamictal.
• Dosing of Lamotrigine is based on patient response. 
• If Lamictal is stopped it needs to be tapered over 2 weeks. 

Lamotrigine FAQs

Should you take Lamictal in the morning or evening?

Lamictal is recommended to be taken 1-2 times a day. If taken twice a day it should be separated as much as possible to be 12 hours apart. 

How does Lamictal make you feel?

Common side effects of Lamotrigine include headache, dizziness, somnolence, and nausea. 

Does Lamictal need to be tapered?

Yes, Lamictal will need to be tapered if it is stopped over a 2 week period. 

Can Lamictal cause weight gain?

Lamictal can cause weight gain, but it is not very common. 

Can Lamictal help with anxiety?

Lamotrigine could help with anxiety in some patients. 

Related Drugs

• Aptiom
• Depakote
• Dilantin
• Keppra

Reference:

Lamictal {package insert}. Research Triangle Park, NC: GlaxoSmithKline; 2015.

https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2015/020241s045s051lbl.pdf