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Medication Information:
***UPDATED***
Lamotrigine (generic) - Lamictal
(brand)
Classification: Antiepileptic and mood stabilizer.
Common Usage: Lamotrigine is indicated as monotherapy in adults with
partial seizures who are also receiving treatment with a single enzyme-inducing
antiepileptic drug (EIAED), as adjunctive therapy in adults and pediatric
patients with partial seizures, and as adjunctive therapy in the treatment of
Lennox-Gastaut syndrome--a disorder that causes seizures--in pediatric and adult
patients. It is also indicated for treatment of bipolar disorder (manic
depression).
Common Major Side Effects: Skin rash, usually appearing within the first
two months, can develop, rarely, into a severe
disorder called Stevens-Johnson syndrome. The risk of rash is
increased by use with valproic acid (Depakote). Other side effects
include dizziness; unsteadiness or loss of balance; headache; double or blurred
vision; nausea;
and vomiting. The rate of dose increase may affect the occurrence of side
effects such as rash.
If you are
planning to become pregnant, are pregnant, or are a nursing mother, the
potential benefits of this drug must be weighed against the possible hazards.
Discuss these issues with all of your health care providers.
This is not a
complete list of al known or potential adverse effects. Notify your
prescriber or pharmacist of any symptoms that have started since you began
taking this medication, changing its dose, or adding or changing other
medication or diet. Take care when performing any task (for example,
driving or operating machinery) that requires your full attention until you have
experience with this drug and are confident you can perform the task safely.
Interactions with Other Medications: Vaiproic acid
increases the blood level of lamotrigine and increases the risk of
rash. Use with carbamazepine (Tegretol) may increase the chance of
adverse effects such as dizziness or blurred vision and may require
adjustment of the dose of either or both medications.
This is not a complete
list of all known or potential drug interactions. To help prevent
problems, always make sure that your pharmacist and all prescribers know about
all medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs; dietary herbal
supplements; folk or home remedies; or unusual foods, drinks, or dietary habits.
Common
Dosages: The dosing of lamotrigine depends on whether it is being used
to treat epilepsy or bipolar disorder, what other drugs the patient may be
taking and the patient's age or weight. Dosage
adjustments should be made at two-week intervals based on response
and adverse effects. Because of a possible increased risk of rash, the rate
of increase in dose should be as gradual as possible. Adjustments
to the dosage of interacting drugs are made cautiously under close
monitoring. See labeling for detailed dosing information. Notify
your prescriber or pharmacist if you change your dose or discontinue this
medication for any reason.
Identification: Lamotrigine is available in 25-mg tablets
that are white, scored and shield-shaped and are engraved with
"Lamictal 25" on one side. Lamotrigine is available in 100-mg
tablets that are peach-colored, scored, shield-shaped and engraved
with "Lamictal 100,, on one side; 150 mg tablets that are
cream-colored, scored, shield-shaped, and engraved with "Lamictal
150" on one side; and 200-mg tablets that are blue, scored, shield
shaped and engraved with "Lamictal 200" on one side.
Lamotrigine is also
available as chewable dispersible tablets, in strengths of 2, 5 and 25 mg.
The 2-mg chewable tablets are white to off-white in color, round and imprinted
with "LTG" over "2" on one side. The 5-mg caplet-shaped chewable tablets
are white to off-white in color and imprinted with "GX CL2" on one side.
The 25-mg super elliptical-shaped chewable tablets are white and imprinted with
"GX CL5" on one side.
Note: In
order to reduce the potential for medication dispensing errors, GlaxoSmithKline
has changed the appearance of the container labeling for Lamictal (lamotrigine).
Lamictal has most commonly been confused with Lamisil (terbinafine), an
antifungal drug manufactured by Novartis. There have also been reports of
dispensing erors including lamivudine (Epivir), Ludiomil (maprotiline),
labetalol (Trandate) and Lomotil (diphernoxylate and atropine).
Storage: Store this medication at normal room temperature (59° F to 86°
F) in a tightly closed, light- and moisture-resistant container. If you
have difficulty opening child-resistant containers, your pharmacist can provide
a container that is easier to open. Keep the medication out of direct
sunlight and avoid storing it in a warm or humid area - such as the bathroom or
kitchen - to prevent deterioration. To prevent accidental poisoning, keep
all medications out of the reach of children. Do not take an expired
medication. Do not transfer medication from one container to another.
Carefully discard discontinued medication where children cannot find it.
Edited by Lawrence H.
Price, M.D.
A SERVICE
OF…Psychopharmacology Update
Note: These guidelines are for general information only. For more
specific information, consult your physician or
pharmacist.
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