LAMOTRIGINE EXTENDED-RELEASE - ORAL

LAMOTRIGINE EXTENDED-RELEASE - ORAL

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (lam-OH-try-jeen)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Lamictal XR

GENERIC NAME(S): lamotrigine

Uses

USES: This product is used to prevent or control seizures (epilepsy). This drug is not approved for use in children younger than 2 years due to an increased risk of side effects (such as infections).


How to use LAMOTRIGINE EXTENDED-RELEASE - ORAL

HOW TO USE: Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking lamotrigine and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions regarding the information, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Take this medication with or without food, usually once daily or as directed by your doctor. Do not crush or chew extended-release tablets. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects. Also, do not split the tablets unless they have a score line and your doctor or pharmacist tells you to do so. Swallow the whole or split tablet without crushing or chewing. Dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, and use of certain interacting drugs. (See also Drug Interactions section.) If you are being switched from the immediate release form of this medication, your doctor will usually start you on a dose similar to what you were taking with the immediate release form. It is very important to follow your doctor's dosing instructions exactly. The dose must be increased slowly. It may take several weeks or months to reach the best dose for you and to get the full benefit from this medication. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased. Also, if you have stopped taking this medication, do not restart lamotrigine without consulting your doctor. Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: See also Warning section. Dizziness, drowsiness, headache, vomiting, or upset stomach may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. A small number of people who take anticonvulsants for any condition (such as seizure, bipolar disorder, pain) may experience depression, suicidal thoughts/attempts, or other mental/mood problems. Tell your doctor right away if you or your family/caregiver notice any unusual/sudden changes in your mood, thoughts, or behavior including signs of depression, suicidal thoughts/attempts, thoughts about harming yourself. Get medical help right away if any of these rare but serious side effects occur: fainting, easy or unusual bruising/bleeding, stiff neck, vision problems, loss of coordination, muscle pain/tenderness/weakness, signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine). This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking lamotrigine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, liver disease. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy or blur your vision. Alcohol or marijuana can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness or clear vision until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana. Children may be at greater risk for skin rashes while taking this drug. See also Warning section. Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially dizziness, loss of coordination, or fainting. These side effects can increase the risk of falling. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. It may harm an unborn baby. However, since untreated seizures are a serious condition that can harm both a pregnant woman and her unborn baby, do not stop taking this medication unless directed by your doctor. If you are planning pregnancy, become pregnant, or think you may be pregnant, immediately talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks of using this medication during pregnancy. Since birth control pills, patches, implants, and injections may not work if taken with this medication (see also Drug Interactions section), discuss reliable forms of birth control with your doctor. This drug passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug include: dofetilide, orlistat. Other medications can affect the removal of lamotrigine from your body, which may affect how lamotrigine works. Examples include hormonal birth control (such as pills, patches), estrogens, other medications to treat seizures (such as phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone, valproic acid), certain HIV protease inhibitors (such as lopinavir/ritonavir, atazanavir/ritonavir), and rifampin, among others. Your doctor may need to adjust your dose of lamotrigine if you are on these medications or if you stop these medications. If you are using hormonal birth control or estrogens, tell your doctor right away of any changes in your menstrual pattern (such as breakthrough bleeding). This medication may decrease the effectiveness of hormonal birth control such as pills, patch, or ring. This could cause pregnancy. Discuss with your doctor or pharmacist if you should use additional reliable birth control methods while using this medication. Also tell your doctor if you have any new spotting or breakthrough bleeding, because these may be signs that your birth control is not working well. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other products that cause drowsiness, including alcohol, marijuana, antihistamines (such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine), drugs for sleep or anxiety (such as alprazolam, diazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants, and narcotic pain relievers (such as codeine). Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely. This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests (including urine drug screening tests), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

Overdose

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe drowsiness, unusual eye movements (nystagmus), loss of consciousness.

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Faq for LAMOTRIGINE EXTENDED-RELEASE - ORAL

Lamotrigine extended-release oral medication is used to treat certain types of seizures in people with epilepsy.

Lamotrigine extended-release oral medication works by stabilizing electrical activity in the brain, which helps to prevent seizures.

Common side effects of Lamotrigine extended-release oral medication include dizziness, headache, drowsiness, blurred vision, nausea, and rash. However, not everyone will experience these side effects.

Lamotrigine extended-release oral medication should be taken once daily, usually in the evening. It can be taken with or without food, but it is important to take it consistently at the same time each day.

Yes, it is important to inform your doctor about any allergies, medical conditions, or medications you are currently taking before starting Lamotrigine extended-release oral medication. It may interact with other drugs and cause serious side effects.

It is generally not recommended to use Lamotrigine extended-release oral medication during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. It is important to discuss the potential risks with your doctor.

No, Lamotrigine extended-release oral medication is not addictive.

Yes, Lamotrigine extended-release oral medication can be used in children, but the dosage needs to be adjusted based on their weight.

If you miss a dose of Lamotrigine extended-release oral medication, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one.


Warning

WARNING: Rarely, serious (sometimes fatal) skin rashes have occurred while taking this medication. These rashes are more common in children than in adults. Rashes may be more likely if you start at too high a dose, if you increase your dose too quickly, or if you take this medication with certain other anti-seizure medications (valproic acid, divalproex). These rashes may occur anytime during use, but most serious rashes have occurred within 2 to 8 weeks of starting lamotrigine. Get medical help right away if you develop any type of skin rash, or if you have other signs of a serious allergic reaction such as hives, fever, swollen lymph nodes, painful sores in the mouth or around the eyes, swelling of the face/tongue/throat, trouble breathing, or liver problems (symptoms include stomach/abdominal pain, nausea/vomiting that continues, dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin). Your doctor will tell you if you should stop taking lamotrigine. Even after you stop taking this, it is still possible for a rash to become life-threatening or cause permanent scars or other problems.


Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.