lamotrigine Health Article

If you have to stop taking lamotrigine because of a serious skin rash, you may not be able to take it again in the future.

Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood or behavior changes, depression, anxiety, or if you feel agitated, hostile, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

• the first sign of any skin rash;

• fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash;

• chest pain;

• pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding;

• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms; or

• nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Less serious side effects may include:

• dizziness or drowsiness;

• blurred vision;

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, upset stomach;

• headache;

• lack of coordination;

• weight loss;

• sleep problems (insomnia), unusual dreams; or

• runny or stuffy nose.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.

What other drugs will affect lamotrigine?

Birth control pills can make lamotrigine less effective, resulting in increased seizures. Tell your doctor if you start or stop using birth control pills while you are taking lamotrigine. Your lamotrigine dose may need to be changed.

Before taking lamotrigine, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:

• hormonal forms of birth control (pills, injections, implants, or skin patches);

• carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol);

• divalproex (Depakote);

• oxcarbazepine (Trileptal);

• phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton);

• primidone (Mysoline);

• phenytoin (Dilantin);

• rifampin (Rifadin, Rifater, Rifamate, Rimactane); or

• valproic acid (Depakene).

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with lamotrigine. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about lamotrigine.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.