Lamictal
Lamotrigine
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Lamictal
Lamictal is an anti epileptic medicine and used in the treatment of seizures. It is not related to other anti seizure drugs or other anti epileptic drugs chemically. The exact mechanism of action (how it prevent seizures) of Lamictal in not known.
Therapeutic Uses of Lamictal
Lamictal is used in the treatment of seizures in a patient with epilepsy, usually in combination with other anti seizure medicines. It is also used alone in patient of seizure who are 16 years or older, if they are shifted from anti epileptic medicine sodium valproate.
Direction of use of Lamictal
Lamictal is taken orally. If patient is not using valproic acid (using single drug Lamictal) the initial dose of Lamictal is 50 mg once a day for 2 weeks, which is followed by 100 mg daily in 2 divided doses for another 2 weeks. Then the maintenance dose is adjusted at 300 to 500 mg daily in 2 divided doses.
If the patient is taking valproic acid than the initial dose of Lamictal is 25 mg every alternate day for 2 weeks and followed by 25 mg once a day for 2 weeks. This dose is then increased slowly by 25 mg every week till the maintenance dose of 100 to 150 mg per day is reached which is given in 2 divided doses. The maintenance dose is usually given in twice a day schedule. The medicine should be taken at the same tine every day.
If You Miss a Dose of Lamictal
You should strictly follow the dosing in a timely manner. If you miss a dose of Lamictal, than take it as soon as you remember it. If it is almost time for the next dose you should skip the missed dose and keep taking the next doses as usual. Do not take 2 doses to make up the missed dose.
How to Store Lamictal
Lamictal should ideally be stored at 77 degree Fahrenheit or 25 degree Centigrade. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is allowed. Do not store Lamictal in your bathroom. Store it in a dry, cool and dark room in a tightly closed container. Keep Lamictal out of reach of children.
More Information About Lamictal
Some lab tests should be done periodically while you are on Lamictal. These lab tests are done to monitor the effects of the medication and also to monitor if any side effects develops.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Lamictal
- Lamictal should be used in pregnancy only if it is clearly indicated. You should discuss about the risk and benefits of using Lamictal during pregnancy. Lamictal is secreted in breast milk. Breast feeding is not recommended during treatment with Lamictal due to possible risk in infants. If you haveto breast feed your baby you should discuss it with your doctor.
- Lamictal can cause drowsiness and dizziness. You should not drive while taking it and should not do risky works which need constant attention and monitoring, till you know that you do not get drowsiness with Lamictal.
- Lamictal may cause sensitivity to sun. You should use protective sunscreen or clothing to prevent possible skin rash due to sunlight.
- There may be skin rash due to Lamictal and some times it may be fatal. These fatal rashes like Stevens Johnson syndrome are more common in children (less than 16 years old) than in adults. That is the reason Lamictal should be used with extreme caution in children, particularly those with partial seizures or seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Immediate notification to your doctor is required if there is any rash during treatment with Lamictal. If the rash is due to Lamictal, it should be stopped immediately. Even if you stop the medicine it is still possible to get potentially life threatening rash. The chance of rash is much more if Lamictal is used in high dose at the beginning of therapy or increasing the dose more than your doctor recommends or if valproic acid is taken along with Lamictal. Most commonly life threatening rashes occur in between 2 weeks to 8 weeks of treatment, but it can occur at any time during treatment.
- You should inform your doctor if you have any other medical conditions like heart problems, liver problems, kidney problems and allergies (especially drug allergies).
Possible Adverse Effects of Lamictal
- Some side effects are common at the start of the treatment with Lamictal, but body adjusts to the medicine well despite the common side effects. The common side effects are headache, dizziness, drowsiness, weakness, fatigue, blurring of vision, clumsiness etc. If these side effects continue or become bothersome you should seek medical advice.
- If you develop skin rash you should stop the medicine and consult your doctor immediately.
- Allergic reaction to Lamictal is unlikely but if you get allergy due to it get immediate treatment for it. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include are rash, itching, hives, fever, swollen glands, swelling of the lips or tongue, painful sores in the mouth or around the eyes, severe dizziness, trouble breathing, hoarseness of voice etc.
- If you get any other side effects that are not listed above, you should get immediate medical attention.
