About Lamotrigine 50 mg Tablet
Lamotrigine 50 mg Tablet contains Lamotrigine 50 mg. Lamotrigine is an antiepileptic medicine. It is used to control several types of seizures (fits) in epilepsy and to help prevent episodes of depression in bipolar disorder. The dose is increased slowly over several weeks to lower the risk of a serious skin rash. It should not be stopped suddenly.
Uses of Lamotrigine 50 mg Tablet
- Epilepsy — several types of seizures, alone or with other medicines
- Bipolar disorder — to help prevent episodes of depression
Benefits
In epilepsy
Taken regularly, it can reduce how often seizures happen, helping you lead a more normal daily life.
In bipolar disorder
It can help prevent low mood episodes and keep mood more stable.
Side effects
Most rashes are mild, but some can be life-threatening, especially in the first two months. Never ignore a rash — contact your doctor.
Common
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Double or blurred vision
- Feeling sleepy or unsteady
- Nausea
- Mild rash
- Trouble sleeping
Get medical help if you notice
- Any skin rash, especially with fever, blistering, peeling, mouth or eye sores, or swollen glands — stop taking it and see a doctor urgently
- Fever, rash, swollen glands, yellow skin or unusual bruising (possible serious immune reaction) — seek medical help straight away
- New or worse thoughts of suicide or self-harm, or unusual changes in mood — contact your doctor straight away
- Severe headache with stiff neck, fever and sensitivity to light — seek medical help
- Seizures becoming more frequent, or a fast, slow or irregular heartbeat — seek medical help
How to use
Take it exactly as your doctor prescribed, following the dose increases carefully. Swallow the tablet whole with water, with or without food. Dispersible tablets may be chewed or mixed in a little water if your doctor allows.
How it works
It blocks sodium channels on nerve cells. This calms overactive nerve signals and reduces the release of glutamate, a chemical that can trigger seizures.
Safety advice
Alcohol Unsafe
Avoid alcohol. It can add to dizziness and drowsiness and may trigger seizures.
Pregnancy Consult your doctor
It is sometimes used in pregnancy, but blood levels change and close monitoring is needed. Do not stop it on your own; talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy.
Breastfeeding Consult your doctor
Lamotrigine passes into breast milk. Ask your doctor; the baby may need to be watched for side effects.
Driving Caution
It can cause dizziness or double vision. If you have epilepsy, follow local rules and your doctor's advice about driving.
Kidney Caution
Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease; the dose may need changing.
Liver Caution
Your doctor will usually lower the dose if you have liver disease.
If you miss a dose
If you miss a dose, take it when you remember. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Do not take two doses together. If you miss several days, do not restart at your usual dose — ask your doctor first.
Quick tips
- Follow the slow dose increases exactly; do not speed them up.
- Contact your doctor about any rash, especially in the first two months.
- Do not stop it suddenly, as seizures may return or get worse.
- Tell your doctor if you start or stop hormonal contraception, as this can change your lamotrigine level.
- Tell your doctor if you take sodium valproate.
Substitutes
Same salts in the same strength from other makers. Only switch brands on your doctor's or pharmacist's advice; our pharmacist checks every order against the prescription.
Same salts, other strengths or forms
Fact box
- Chemical class
- Phenyltriazine
- Therapeutic class
- Neurology
- Action class
- Antiepileptic (sodium channel blocker)
- Habit forming
- No
- Prescription
- Required
Interactions with other medicines
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin and herbal product you take.
| Medicine | What can happen |
|---|---|
| Sodium valproate | Greatly raises lamotrigine levels and the risk of serious rash; a lower dose is needed |
| Carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital and rifampicin | Lower lamotrigine levels |
| Combined hormonal contraceptives | Can lower lamotrigine levels; lamotrigine may also affect the pill |
| Ritonavir-containing HIV medicines | Can lower lamotrigine levels |
This page is general information to help you understand your medicine. It is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop or change a medicine on your own.
Written by the Asthra Health Care team from the approved prescribing information (Lamotrigine prescribing information (CDSCO-approved labelling); US FDA labelling for lamotrigine, including boxed warning for serious skin rashes). Pharmacist review pending.