Epilepsy Ontario :: Medications

Lamotrigine

Lamotrigine is available in Canada by prescription only. It is not approved in Canada for patients under 16 years of age except in the treatment of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.

Known as	Lamictal�
Uses	Lamotrigine is used in conjunction with other anti-epileptic drugs to aid in controlling absence, tonic-clonic, simple partial, and complex partial seizures. Studies have shown it may be effective when used alone (monotherapy) in some newly diagnosed cases of epilepsy. It also may be used alone (monotherapy) following the slow withdrawal of other concomitant anti-epileptic drugs. It may be effective in some patients with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and West's syndrome (infantile spasms).
How to Use	Take lamotrigine at the same time each day. It may be taken with food to prevent nausea. Loading dose = 12.5-50 mg/d, maintenance dose = 75-800 mg/d, once or twice daily.
Side Effects	Generally well tolerated. Blurred vision, ataxia, diplopia, or dizziness may occur.
Precautions	Skin rashes may develop within the first 6 weeks of taking lamotrigine. Inform your doctor immediately if this happens, but do not stop taking lamotrigine on your own. Rebound seizures may occur if use is abruptly stopped. Nursing mothers and those with kidney or heart problems should avoid taking this medication. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant before taking lamotrigine. Half-life is influenced by drugs that increase or decrease levels of hepatic enzymes.
Interactions	Some sources suggest that taking lamotrigine with oral contraceptives may cause irregular bleeding. Inform your doctor if this happens. Sedation may occur if taken in high doses with carbamazepine. May worsen toxicity due to carbamazepine, causing rash (especially in children). Blood levels increased by: valproate. Blood levels decreased by: phenobarbital, phenytoin, carbamazepine. Blood levels not changed by: gabapentin, topiramate, tiagabine, levetiracetam, oxcarbazepine, zonisamide. Effect of felbamate unknown.
Missed Dose	Take medication as soon as you remember. Do not double up: just resume your medication schedule as usual.
Storage	Store at room temperature, between 15�C and 30�C, away from children, heat, light and moisture.
Forms	Tablets: 25 mg (white), 100 mg (peach) and 150 mg (cream) with trade name on one side and dosage on other. Also: 5 mg chewable, dispersible [soluble in liquid] tablets

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The material offered at this site is to provide general information about epilepsy to the public. It is not intended to be taken as medical advice. Although all material presented at this site has been thoroughly researched and is believed to be correct, Epilepsy Ontario accepts no liability. Consult your physician and/or neurologist with any questions you have. People with epilepsy should never discontinue anti-epileptic medications or make changes in activities unless specifically advised to do so by an attending physician.