Lamotrigine Oral Tablet (LAMOTRIGINE - ORAL)

This medicine is used for the following purposes:

  • bipolar disorder
  • pain
  • seizures

Brand Name(s): Lamictal, Subvenite

Generic Name: Lamotrigine

Instructions

Swallow the medicine without crushing or chewing it.

This medicine may be taken with or without food.

This medicine will work best if you take it at about the same time every day.

Keep the medicine at room temperature. Avoid heat and direct light.

It may take several weeks for this medicine to fully work.

It is important that you keep taking each dose of this medicine on time even if you are feeling well.

If you forget to take a dose on time, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, do not take the missed dose. Return to your normal schedule. Do not take 2 doses at one time.

Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.

Tell your doctor if symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.

This medicine may decrease the effectiveness of some birth controls which use hormones (such as birth control pills and patches). Use an extra form of birth control, such as condoms, while on this medicine.

It is very important that you follow your doctor's instructions for all blood tests.

Cautions

This medicine is not approved for use in children younger than 2.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

This medicine has been associated with a rare but serious skin rash. If you notice any red, peeling or blistered skin, contact your doctor immediately.

Do not use the medication any more than instructed.

Your ability to stay alert or to react quickly may be impaired by this medicine. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.

Please check with your doctor before drinking alcohol while on this medicine.

Contact your doctor if you notice a change in the amount or darkening of your urine.

Family should check on the patient often. Call the doctor if patient becomes more depressed, has thoughts of suicide, or shows changes in behavior.

This medicine passes into breast milk. Ask your doctor before breastfeeding.

During pregnancy, this medicine should be used only when clearly needed. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits.

Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.

Some patients have serious side effects from this medicine. Ask your pharmacist to show you the information from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and discuss it with you.

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

  • agitated feeling or trouble sleeping
  • drowsiness or sedation
  • lack of energy and tiredness
  • headaches
  • liver problems
  • nausea and vomiting
  • runny nose
  • sore throat
  • stomach upset or abdominal pain

If you have any of the following side effects, you may be getting too much medicine. Please contact your doctor to let them know about these side effects.

  • loss of balance
  • dizziness
  • fainting
  • blurring or changes of vision

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

  • change in behavior
  • unusual bruising or discoloration on skin
  • confusion
  • swelling of the face, mouth, tongue or throat
  • fever
  • flu-like symptoms
  • fast, irregular, or slow heartbeat
  • signs of liver damage (such as yellowing of eye or skin, dark urine, or unusual tiredness)
  • mouth sores or irritation
  • muscle pain or weakness
  • red, burning, or itchy skin
  • shortness of breath
  • red, peeling or blistering skin
  • suicidal thoughts
  • swelling in the neck or throat

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.

Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.

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