Lamictal

Information on Lamictal

Tablets
Chemical Name: LAMOTRIGINE (la-MOE-tri-jeen)

Common uses
This medicine is an anticonvulsant used alone or with other medicines to treat certain types of seizures. It may also be used to delay the occurrence of mood problems in certain patients with bipolar disorder. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Before using
WARNING: SERIOUS AND SOMETIMES FATAL RASHES HAVE OCCURRED RARELY WITH THE USE OF THIS MEDICINE. The risk of serious rash may be greater in children younger than 16 years old than in adults. Although it has not been proven, the risk may be greater if you start taking this medicine at a higher than recommended dose, take more than the recommended dose during treatment, or if you also take valproate medicines (such as valproic acid or divalproex sodium). Most of the serious rashes that have occurred developed within the first 2 to 8 weeks of use. However, serious rashes have occurred in patients who have used this medicine for a longer period of time. Contact your doctor immediately if you develop rash symptoms, including red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin. Treatment with this medicine should be stopped unless it is clearly determined that the medicine did not cause the rash. Even if the medicine is stopped, a rash caused by this medicine may still become life-threatening or cause serious side effects (such as permanent scarring). Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking estrogens, other medicines for seizures (such as phenytoin, carbamazepine, valproic acid, divalproex sodium, methsuximide, phenobarbital, primidone), rifampin, or hormonal birth-control (such as birth control pills). Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including a skin rash, dialysis treatment, or a history of heart, kidney, or liver problems; certain blood problems (such as thalassemia); mood or mental problems; Parkinson disease; a rash from previous use of this medicine; suicidal thoughts or attempts; allergies; pregnancy; or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.

Directions
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. An additional patient information leaflet is available with this medicine. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. This medicine has a bitter taste. Do not crush or chew before swallowing. The tablet may be broken in half if your doctor tells you to do so. THIS MEDICINE MAY BE TAKEN on an empty stomach or with food. Take this medicine with food if it upsets your stomach. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) in a tightly-closed container, away from heat, light, and moisture. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Continue to take this medicine, even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do NOT take 2 doses at once.

Cautions
DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE or take this medicine for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor. DO NOT SUDDENLY STOP TAKING THIS MEDICINE or change your dose without first checking with your doctor. Doing so may increase the frequency of your seizures. Your dose may need to be slowly lowered to avoid this effect. IF YOU STOP TAKING THIS MEDICINE for any reason, contact your doctor right away. Do not start taking it again unless your doctor tells you to do so. IF YOUR SYMPTOMS DO NOT IMPROVE or if they become worse, check with your doctor immediately. Laboratory and/or medical tests including blood levels of this medicine may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are taking this medicine. BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATMENTS, EMERGENCY CARE, OR SURGERY, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE DROWSINESS, DIZZINESS, or blurred vision. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines cause drowsiness. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. PATIENTS WITH BIPOLAR DISORDER may be at risk for suicidal thoughts or actions. There is also a risk among children, teenagers, and patients who have had suicidal thoughts or actions in the past. It is unknown if patients who take this medicine may have an increased risk. Contact the doctor immediately if you develop new, sudden or worsening symptoms such as depression, anxiety, restlessness, panic attacks or suicidal thoughts or actions. CAUTION IS ADVISED when using this medicine in children because they may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine especially the risk of skin rash. FOR WOMEN TAKING HORMONAL BIRTH CONTROL (such as birth control pills): This medicine may decrease the effectiveness of hormonal birth control. Check with your doctor if you have questions about how this medicine may affect your hormonal birth control or if you notice any changes in your menstrual pattern (such as breakthrough bleeding). If you wish to avoid pregnancy while using this medicine, discuss the use of effective birth control methods with your doctor. FOR WOMEN: THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE HARM to the human fetus. IF YOU ARE PREGNANT OR PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.

Possible side effects
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include blurred or double vision, constipation, decreased coordination, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, nausea, runny or stuffy nose, stomach upset, trouble sleeping, vomiting, or weakness or fatigue. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience difficult or painful urination; persistent sore throat; involuntary trembling; muscle aches; painful menstrual periods or other menstrual changes; swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet; unusual weakness or fatigue; vaginal itch or discharge; vision changes; or weight loss. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience a missed menstrual period; calf pain or tenderness; chest pain; dark urine; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever or chills; new or worsening mental or mood changes (such as anxiety, depression, restlessness, irritability, or panic attacks); new or worsening seizures; pale stools; red, swollen, or blistered skin; severe or persistent stomach pain; severe muscle pain or tenderness; shortness of breath; sores in the mouth or around the eyes; suicidal thoughts or attempts; swelling of your hands, legs, face, lips, eyes, throat, or tongue; difficulty swallowing or breathing; hoarseness; swollen lymph glands; unusual bruising or bleeding; or yellowing of the eyes or skin. STOP TAKING THIS MEDICINE AND SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION IF YOU DEVELOP A RASH. An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include itching, hives, severe dizziness, swelling, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Drug interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other. Check drug interactions

If you take too much
If overdose is suspected contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include involuntary eye movements, loss of consciousness or coordination, new or worsening seizures, or coma.

Additional information
DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. DIFFERENT MEDICINES may sometimes look alike. Always check your medicine to make sure it appears correct. If you notice any change in the appearance of your medicine (such as shape, color, or size), check with your pharmacist. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.

Selected data included with permission and copyrighted by Medi-Span, 2009. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a Licensed data provider and is not for distribution in professional healthcare settings.