Lamotrigine

Please note: these are basic guidelines, refer to your doctor for a professional medical opinion.

Popular brand names:

Aspen Lamotrigine, Epitec, Lamictin, Lamitor

Drug group:

Anticonvulsant drug

Prescription needed?

Yes

What does it do?

Lamotrigine is an anticonvulsant drug prescribed for the treatment of:

• Epilepsy - either alone or in combination with other anticonvulsants
• Bipolar affective disorder – used occasionally

How does it work?

Lamotrigine restores the balance between excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters in the brain.

What is the typical dosage?

Your doctor will recommend a dosage tailored to your need, but typically:

• Tablets/chewable tablets/dispersible tablets, taken 1–2 x daily
• Total adult maintenance dose: 100–500mg daily (smaller doses if used with other anticonvulsant drugs eg. 100–200mg daily with sodium valproate)
• Lower doses are used at the start of treatment, then increased according to response
• Children: doses may be relatively higher than adult doses due to increased metabolism

How quickly will it start to work?

Beneficial effects in about 5 days of taking a constant dose    
       

How long will the effects last? 

Up to 24 hours
                       

When should I stop using it?

Do not stop the drug without consulting your doctor. To avoid rebound seizures you will need to reduce the dose gradually.

Is it safe for prolonged use?

No special problems. You do not need regular blood tests to monitor drug levels in the blood.

What are the possible side effects?

Lamotrigine can cause a few minor side effects but most will decrease with a dose adjustment.

The following have been reported:

• More common: headache, fatigue (less sedating than older anticonvulsants), nausea, insomnia, blurred/double vision, poor muscle coordination
• Less common: rash
• Report to your doctor before taking your next dose if you experience: rash associated with mouth ulcers, facial swelling, flu-like symptoms, sore throat, unusual bruising (all may indicate a serious hypersensitivity reaction)

What other considerations are important?

Dosage may be adjusted by your doctor under certain conditions.

• Certain health problems: liver/kidney problems, blood disorders
• Other medicines: Sodium valproate, antidepressants, antipsychotics, rifampicin, mefloquine, chloroquine, carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Safety not established
• Children: Not recommended in <2 years, or as single therapy in <12 years
• Over 60: No special problems
• Driving and hazardous work: Caution, your underlying condition and the side effects of the drug, may make these activities dangerous
• Alcohol: Avoid, may increase the adverse effects of the drug