About lamotrigine
Antiseizure medicine; mood stabilizer
Used for
- Treats epilepsy, alone or with other medicines.
- Helps prevent depressive episodes in bipolar I disorder.
Usual adult dose
Epilepsy: often 100–500 mg daily, depending on other medicines. Bipolar disorder: usually 200 mg daily; gradual dose increases are essential.
Usual dose in children
Epilepsy: dosing is based on body weight and other medicines, typically starting at 0.15–0.6 mg/kg daily.
Common side effects
- Dizziness, headache, or sleepiness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Blurred or double vision
- Skin rash
Important warnings
- Seek urgent care for a rash, especially with blisters, mouth sores, or fever.
- Rare severe skin reactions are more likely with rapid dose increases or valproate.
- Do not stop suddenly; seizures or mood symptoms may worsen.
- Restarting after several missed days may require beginning again with a low dose.
Pregnancy
Do not stop suddenly during pregnancy. Lamotrigine levels can change; treatment should be reviewed by a clinician.
Breastfeeding
Lamotrigine enters breast milk. Monitor the baby for rash, unusual sleepiness, or poor feeding.
Interactions
- Valproate increases lamotrigine levels and rash risk.
- Estrogen-containing contraceptives can lower levels; levels may rise during pill-free weeks.
- Some seizure medicines, including carbamazepine, phenytoin, and phenobarbital, lower levels.
- Rifampicin may lower lamotrigine levels.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.