Lamotrigine is a prescription anticonvulsant medication used primarily to control various types of seizures caused by epilepsy. It is also commonly prescribed as a mood stabilizer for adults with bipolar disorder to help delay or prevent depressive episodes.
This medication works by stabilizing electrical activity in the brain to manage mood and prevent overactive nerve signaling. Because it can cause side effects like dizziness or double vision, it should only be used under the direct supervision of a healthcare provider.
While lamotrigine is highly effective for its approved uses, it requires a careful dosing schedule to ensure safety. You can find this medication at most US pharmacies in various tablet forms, including generic versions and the brand-name Lamictal.
What it is used for
Lamotrigine is approved for the following medical conditions:
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Epilepsy, to help manage and control various types of seizures.
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Bipolar disorder in adults, specifically as a maintenance treatment to stabilize mood.
This medication should only be taken when prescribed by a neurologist or psychiatrist. Your doctor will determine the correct dosage based on your specific diagnosis and medical history.
Is lamotrigine used for depression?
Lamotrigine is not typically used as a primary treatment for acute depression. However, for individuals with bipolar disorder, doctors may prescribe it to help prevent future depressive episodes caused by frequent mood swings.
How to take lamotrigine
Lamotrigine is taken orally, and the specific method depends on the type of tablet prescribed. Regular tablets should be swallowed whole with water and never crushed, broken, or chewed.
Dispersible or chewable tablets offer more flexibility, as they can be chewed, dissolved in a small amount of water or fruit juice, or swallowed whole with a glass of water.
The dosage of lamotrigine depends on the patient's age and the condition being treated:
Epilepsy
Standard dosages for epilepsy are adjusted based on age and whether other medications are being taken:
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Adults and children over 12 (monotherapy): When taken alone, the typical starting dose is 25 mg once daily for the first two weeks. The doctor may then increase the dose to 50 mg daily for the next two weeks, followed by gradual increases of 50 to 100 mg every one to two weeks until the maintenance dose is reached.
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Adults and children over 12 (combination therapy): If taken with other medications like valproate, the starting dose is often lower, such as 25 mg every other day for two weeks. Your physician will then carefully adjust the dose in small increments to find the most effective level for you.
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Children ages 2 to 12: A pediatrician will calculate the specific dosage based on the child's weight and age.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless your next dose is less than 4 hours away. In that case, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
Bipolar disorder
For adults 18 and older, the starting dose for bipolar disorder usually ranges from 12.5 mg to 50 mg once daily for the first two weeks. The doctor will gradually increase this over several weeks to a typical maintenance dose of 100 mg to 400 mg per day, which may be taken as a single dose or divided into two doses.
Possible side effects
The most common side effects associated with lamotrigine include:
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Headaches
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Skin rash
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Aggression or irritability
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Fatigue or drowsiness
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Dizziness or tremors
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Nausea and vomiting
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Diarrhea
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Lack of physical coordination
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Blurred or double vision
In rare instances, lamotrigine can cause serious reactions, such as changes in liver enzymes or white blood cell counts. It is also linked to a rare but severe skin reaction known as Stevens-Johnson syndrome, which requires immediate medical attention.
Does lamotrigine cause weight loss or gain?
Lamotrigine is generally considered weight-neutral, meaning it usually does not cause significant weight gain or loss. While some patients might notice slight fluctuations in appetite or weight, these changes are typically minor and not a primary side effect of the drug.
Who should not use it
Lamotrigine should not be used by individuals with a known allergy to any of the ingredients in the medication. It is also not recommended for children under the age of 2.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult their doctor before using this medication, as it should only be taken if the potential benefits outweigh the risks to the baby.