Sign inBefore taking lamotrigine
Before taking lamotrigine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:
- If you are pregnant, trying for a baby, or breast-feeding.
- If you suffer from liver or kidney problems.
- If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
- If you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
How to take lamotrigine
- Take lamotrigine exactly as directed by your doctor.
- Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible before beginning treatment.
- Lamotrigine tablets should be swallowed whole with a small glass of water.
- Lamotrigine dispersible tablets may be chewed, dispersed in a little water, or swallowed whole with a small glass of water.
- Do not stop taking lamotrigine without speaking to your doctor first. Your doctor will need to reduce the dose you are taking gradually.
- Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of lamotrigine contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Where possible take the container with you, even if it is empty.
- Try to take your medicine at the same time each day to avoid missing any doses.
- Lamotrigine is for you. Never give it to others, even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
Getting the most from your treatment
- Lamotrigine may cause your skin to become more sensitive to sunlight than it is usually. Avoid sunbeds and try to avoid the sun or use a sun cream higher than factor 15 until you know how your skin reacts.
- While you are taking lamotrigine, there is a small risk that you may develop mood changes, distressing thoughts and feelings about suicide. If this happens, tell your doctor straight away.
- Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside lamotrigine.
Can lamotrigine cause problems
Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.
| Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine | What can I do if I experience this |
| Feeling sick or being sick | Eat little and often. Stick to simple foods such as dry toast and drink plenty of water to replace any lost fluids |
| Headache | Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain killer. If the headache continues speak with your doctor |
| Drowsiness and blurred vision | Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert or able to see properly |
Other unwanted effects include: diarrhoea, tiredness, dizziness, difficulty sleeping, unsteadiness, tremor, irritability, mood changes, shakiness, confusion, joint pain, and problems with eyesight.
Important: let your doctor know straight away if you develop a high temperature, skin rash, swollen glands, unexplained bruising or flu-like infections.
How to store lamotrigine
- Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
- Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of unwanted medicines for you.
Important information about all medicines
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References
- British National Formulary; 54th Edition (September 2007) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London
- Summary of Product Characteristics - Lamictal®, GlaxoSmithKline UK, electronic Medicines Compendium. Text revised March 2007, accessed November 2007.