Lamictal

Chemical Name: LAMOTRIGINE

Common uses

This medicine is an anticonvulsant used alone or with other medicines to treat seizure disorders. Use of lamotrigine in children age 2 to 15 years of age is restricted to those having certain types of seizures (partial or Lennox-Gastaut type). Lamotrigine is also used in bipolar disorder to reduce the occurrence of mood problems. This medicine may be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Before using

WARNING: Rarely, serious (sometimes fatal) skin rashes have occurred while using this medicine. These rashes, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome, are more common in children (less than 16 years old) than in adults. Therefore, lamotrigine should only be used in children who have partial seizures or seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Immediately notify your doctor if you develop any type of rash. If this medicine is the cause of the rash, the medicine must be stopped. Even after stopping this medicine, it is still possible for the rash to cause permanent or life-threatening scarring along with other problems. The possibility of a rash may be increased by using too much of this medicine when treatment begins, increasing the dose beyond what your doctor prescribes during treatment, or taking valproic acid with lamotrigine. Most life-threatening rashes have occurred within 2 to 8 weeks of starting this medicine. However, serious rashes have also occurred after 6 months of use. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking other medicines for seizures (e.g., phenytoin, carbamazepine, valproic acid, methsuximide, phenobarbital, primidone), or birth-control pills. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions such skin rashes, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. THIS MEDICINE MAY COME WITH A PATIENT INFORMATION LEAFLET. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. SWALLOW WHOLE. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing as the tablets have a bitter taste. THIS MEDICINE MAY BE TAKEN on an empty stomach or with food. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) in a tightly-closed container, away from heat, light, and moisture. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Continue to take this medicine, even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do NOT take 2 doses at once.

Cautions

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take more of this medicine or take it more often than you are told to. Doing so will not improve your condition faster and may increase your risk for side effects. DO NOT STOP USING THIS MEDICINE without first checking with your doctor. Your dose may need to be gradually reduced to prevent side effects. IF YOUR SYMPTOMS DO NOT IMPROVE or if they become worse, check with your doctor. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are taking this medicine. Laboratory and/or medical tests may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATMENTS, EMERGENCY CARE, OR SURGERY, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE DROWSINESS OR DIZZINESS. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines cause drowsiness. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. CAUTION IS ADVISED when using this medicine in children, as they may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.

Possible side effects

SIDE EFFECTS, that may occur during treatment include drowsiness trouble sleeping, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, muscle aches, double vision, blurred vision, fatigue, weakness, headache, shakiness, or clumsiness. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience any new or worsening mental or mood changes. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience thoughts of hurting yourself, or break through bleeding or changes in your menstrual period. IF YOU DEVELOP A RASH, stop using the medicine and seek immediate medical attention. An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, hives, fever, swollen glands, swelling of the lips or tongue, painful sores in the mouth or around the eyes, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

If you take too much

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include unusual dizziness, severe headache, unusual sleepiness, involuntary eye movements, and loss of consciousness.

Additional information

DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.