Brand
name: lamitor
Pronounced: LAM-ic-tal
Generic name: Lamotrigine
Other brand name: lamitor CD ,LAMITOR (Lamictal, Lamotrigine)
How should you take lamitor?
Take lamitor exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Taking more than
the prescribed amount can increase your risk of developing a serious
rash. Do not stop taking lamitor without first discussing it with your
doctor. An abrupt halt could increase your seizures. Your doctor can
schedule a gradual reduction in dosage.
lamitor Chewable Dispersible (CD) tablets may be swallowed whole,
chewed, or dissloved in liquid. When chewing the tablets, drink a small
amount of water or diluted fruit juice to aid in swallowing. When dissolving
the tablets, add them to a small amount of water or diluted fruit juice
(about 1 teaspoonful), and wait 1 minute until the tablets are completely
dissolved. Swirl the solution and drink immediately. Do not try to
cut the dose by drinking only part of the solution.
Why is lamitor prescribed?
lamitor is prescribed to control partial seizures in people with
epilepsy. It is also used to control a serious form of epilepsy known
as Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. lamitor is used in combination with other
antiepileptic medications or as a replacement for a medication such
as Tegretol, Dilantin, phenobarbital, or Mysoline.
In addition, lamitor is used to help prevent the manic and/or depressive
phases of bipolar disorder.
Most important fact about lamitor
You may develop a rash during the first 2 to 8 weeks of lamitor therapy,
particularly if you are also taking Depakene or Depakote. If this happens,
notify your doctor immediately. The rash could become severe and even
dangerous, particularly in children. Signs of a more serious reaction
include hives, fever, swollen lymph glands, painful sores in the mouth
or around the eyes, or swelling of the lips or tongue. A slight possibility
of this problem remains for up to 6 months.
If you miss a dose LAMITOR (Lamictal, Lamotrigine)
Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next
dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule.
Do not take 2 doses at once.
Storage instructions LAMITOR (Lamictal, Lamotrigine)
Store in a tightly closed container at room temperature. Keep dry
and protect from light.
lamitor side effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity,
tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine
if it is safe for you to continue taking lamitor.
* Side effects may include:
Abdominal pain, back pain, blurred vision, constipation, dizziness, double
vision, dry mouth, fatigue, headache, increased cough, insomnia, nausea,
rash, runny nose, sleepiness, sore throat, uncoordinated movements, vomiting
* Additional side effects in children may include:
Bronchitis, convulsions, ear problems, eczema, facial swelling, hemorrhage,
infection, indigestion, light sensitivity, lymph node problems, nervousness,
penis disorder, sinus infection, swelling, tooth problems, urinary tract
infection, vertigo, vision problems
Why should lamitor not be prescribed?
If you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to lamitor,
you should not take lamitor. Make sure your doctor is aware of any
drug reactions you have experienced.
Special warnings about lamitor
lamitor may cause some people to become drowsy, dizzy, or less alert.
Do not drive or operate dangerous machinery or participate in any activity
that requires full mental alertness until you are certain the drug
does not have this kind of effect on you. Remember to be alert for
development of any type of rash, especially during the first 2 to 8
weeks of treatment (see "Most important fact about lamitor").
Be sure to tell your doctor about any medical problems you have before
starting therapy with lamitor. If you have kidney or liver disease,
or heart problems, lamitor should be used with caution.
lamitor may cause vision problems. If any develop, notify your doctor
immediately. Also be quick to call your doctor if you develop a fever
or have any other signs of an allergic reaction. Notify your doctor,
too, if your seizures get worse.
If you're taking lamitor for bipolar disorder, be aware that the
drug should not be used to stop an episode of mania or depression once
it has started.
There are no clinical studies to prove the safety and effectiveness
of lamitor for treating bipolar disorder in children less than 18
years old.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking lamitor
If lamitor is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either
could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important
to check with your doctor before combining lamitor with the following:
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Drugs that inhibit folate metabolism, such as methotrexate and Septra
Oral contraceptives
Phenobarbital
Phenytoin (Dilantin)
Primidone (Mysoline)
Valproic acid (Depakene, Depakote)
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
The effects of lamitor during pregnancy have not been adequately
studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, tell your
doctor immediately. lamitor should be used during pregnancy only if
clearly needed. lamitor appears in breast milk. Because the effects
of lamitor on an infant exposed to lamitor are unknown, breastfeeding
is not recommended.
Recommended dosage for lamitor
ADULTS
Overdosage
A massive overdose of lamitor can be fatal. If you suspect an overdose,
seek medical treatment immediately.
* Symptoms of lamitor overdose may include:
Coma, decreased level of consciousness, delayed heartbeat, increased seizures,
lack of coordination, rolling eyeballs
