Lamotrigine is available in Canada by prescription only. It is not approved in Canada for patients under 16 years of age except in the treatment of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.
Known as
Lamictal
Uses
Lamotrigine is used in conjunction with other anti-epileptic drugs to aid in controlling absence, tonic-clonic, simple partial and complex partial seizures. Studies have shown it may be effective when used alone (monotherapy) in some newly diagnosed causes of epilepsy. It also may be used alone (monotherapy) following the slow withdrawal of other concomitant anti-epileptic drugs. It may be effective in some patients with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and West’s syndrome (infantile spasms).
How to Use
Take lamotrigine at the same time each day. It may be taken with food to prevent nausea.
- Loading dose = 12.5 to 50 mg/d
- Maintenance dose = 75-800 mg/d once or twice daily
Side Effects
Generally well tolerated, though side effects may include blurred vision, ataxia, diplopia or dizziness may occur.
Precautions
Skin rashes may develop within the first six weeks of taking lamotrigine. Inform your doctor immediately if this happens, but do not stop taking lamotrigine on your own. Rebound seizures may occur if use is abruptly stopped. Nursing mothers and those with kidney or heart problems should avoid taking this medication. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant before taking lamotrigine. Half-life is influenced by drugs that increase or decrease levels of hepatic enzymes.
Interactions
- Some sources suggest that taking lamotrigine with oral contraceptives may cause irregular bleeding. Inform your doctor if this happens.
- Sedation may occur if taken in high doses with carbamazepine.
- May worsen toxicity due to carbamazepine, causing rash (especially in children).
- Blood levels increased by valproate.
- Blood levels decreased by phenobarbital, phenytoin, carbamazepine.
- Blood levels are unchanged by gabapentin, topiramate, tiagabine, levetiracetam, oxcarbazepine and zonisamide.
- Effects of felbamate are unknown.
Missed Dose
Take medication as soon as you remember. Do not double the dosage. Just resume your medication schedule as usual.
Storage
Store at room temperature between 15°C and 30°C. Keep away from children, heat, light and moisture.
Forms
- Tablets: 25 mg (white), 100 mg (peach), 150 mg (cream) with trade name on one side and dosage on other.
- Also: 5 mg chewable dispersible (soluble in liquid) tablets.
See also
Click here to learn more about medications.
DisclaimerExpand Disclaimer Section
The material offered at this site is to provide general information about epilepsy to the public. It is not intended to be taken as medical advice. Although all material presented at this site has been thoroughly researched and is believed to be correct, Epilepsy Ontario accepts no liability. Consult your physician and/or neurologist with any questions you have. People with epilepsy should never discontinue anti-epileptic medications or make changes in activities unless specifically advised to do so by an attending physician.
