Uses

Lamictal (lamotrigine) is used as both a mood stabilizer and anticonvulsant, or antiepileptic, medication. It is primarily used to prevent and/or control seizures in adults and children. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has also approved it for treatment of disordered mood conditions. For some individuals,  Lamictal may produce therapeutic effects for those experiencing depression, mania, anxiety, bipolar, borderline personality, and other conditions that cause fluctuations in mood. This drug may be obtained only with a doctor’s prescription.

Mental Health Conditions Treated with Lamictal

Lamictal may be administered alone or in conjunction with other medications in order to prevent and manage tonic-clonic seizures, partial seizures, absence seizures, atonic seizures, and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome in adults and minors. This drug may also be used as a mood stabilizer, preventing extreme mood swings, especially in adults with bipolar I.

Lamictal Dosage FAQs

• How should I take this medication?
  Lamicatal is available as a tablet, chewable tablet, orally disintegrating tablet, and as an extended release tablet. Your doctor will assist you in deciding which form of this medication is most beneficial for you. While chewable tablets may be chewed, regular tablets and extended release tablets should be swallowed whole. Chewing, biting, sucking, or crushing regular tablets or extended release tablets may result in too much medication being released into your system too quickly.

  It is recommended that orally disintegrating tablets be placed on the tongue and dissolved in the mouth without chewing. Swallow as needed while the tablet disintegrates. A liquid may be used to help you swallow the dissolved tablet.

  Lamictal may be taken with or without food. People usually begin by taking a low dose of this drug and slowly increase the dose over the following weeks. It may take several weeks before you experience the full effect of this medication.

• What should I do if I miss a dose?
  Take the dose you missed as soon as possible. However, if you are close to the time for your next scheduled dose, then skip the missed dose completely and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose or take extra medication to make up for a missed dose.
• What should I do if I overdose on this medication?
  Seek emergency medical care and contact a poison help line immediately. Symptoms of overdose include increased seizures, loss of coordination, lightheadedness, blurred vision, and fainting.
• Who should not take this medication?
  People who experience allergic reactions to lamotrigine should not take Lamictal. Do not take Lamictal if you are currently taking valproic acid (Depakene) or divalproex (Depakote). Do not share this drug with another person, even if he or she has been diagnosed with the same medical issue.
• How can I get the most out of my treatment with Lamictal?
  Carefully follow all the directions of your doctor for best results and refill your prescription before you run out of medicine. While Lamictal is an effective anticonvulsant medication, many who experience seizures have also reported positive results from working with a psychotherapist. A therapist can help you gain a better understanding of seizures and their impact on your life and help your family to cope with the different aspects of epilepsy. Additionally, many who experience mental health conditions that cause mood fluctuations can also benefit from talking with a therapist.
• How should I store this medication?
  Store Lamictal in a sealed container. Do not expose this medication to excess heat, moisture, or light. Orally disintegrating tablets should be kept in their original packaging.