Lamotrigine

Seizures and epilepsy

Also known as Lamictal

Lamotrigine calms the overactive electrical signals that cause seizures, and it's also used to prevent mood episodes in bipolar disorder. The most important thing to understand: your dose is raised slowly, over weeks, on purpose. Going up too fast raises the risk of a rare but life-threatening rash, so never adjust the dose on your own.

How to take it

When

Once or twice a day at the same times. The slow start-low, climb-slow schedule matters — stick to it exactly.

Food

With or without food.

Avoid

Alcohol adds to drowsiness. Don't drive until you know how it affects you; seizure driving laws also apply.

Rash alert

Call your doctor the same day about any new rash — most are harmless, but this drug's serious rash can start out looking ordinary.

Missed a dose?

Take it when you remember, unless it's close to your next dose — then skip it. Missed doses can trigger seizures, so ask your doctor ahead of time what to do — and call if you've missed several days, because you may need to restart at a lower dose. Never take a double dose.

Common side effects

Dizziness
Sleepiness
Headache
Blurred or double vision
Nausea

Call a doctor if

A rash that spreads, blisters, or peels, or sores in your mouth or around your eyes — this is an emergency, get help now
Rash with fever or swollen glands — a rare but serious reaction, get help now
A seizure that won't stop — call emergency services
Thoughts of harming yourself, or new or worsening depression — get help now
Fever with a stiff neck and bad headache — a rare inflammation this drug can cause; call your doctor right away

Educational only. This summary is drawn from public FDA labeling and MedlinePlus and simplified for readability. Your prescription label and your pharmacist always come first — doses and instructions vary from person to person.