Lamictal is a type of anti-seizure drug which can be used as anti-epileptic medicine for a patients of 16 years old and older. In a case of some type of seizures it also can be useful in a mixture with other anti-seizure drugs.
The initial dose of Lamictal depends on whether the patient takes valproic acid (Depakote) or not. In a case of not-taking the dose should be 50 mg a day for the first two weeks and then 100 mg a day divided in two portions for two weeks. After that the dose should become 300 to 500 mg a day also divided in two portions. And if the patient is on the valproic acid the opening dose should not exceed 25 mg a day for the first two weeks and then it can be slowly raised to a 50 mg a day and then more every one or two weeks till it becomes 150 mg a day. The standard portion of the drug should be taken two times a day.
It is a medicine for treating seizers which can be taken only orally. Lamictal isn’t tied with some other drugs for the same treatment. But the distinct methods by which it stops a seizures is still unknown.
We do recommend you to take this drug in the same time every day. If you have forgotten about the portion take it as soon as you remember but not in a case if the time of next dose almost come. In this case you’d better leave the missed dose and follow our ordinary schedule in the future. Remember that summing of portions can be dangerous.
Lamictal must be stored at room temperature at about 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from heat, light, and moisture. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is not prohibited, but not recommended. Do not store Lamictal in the bathroom.
Lamictal Safety information
If you give these medication to child less than 16 years of age, serious (sometimes fatal) skin rashes may occurred while using this medication. These rashes are also called Stevens-Johnson syndromehapen rarely and are more common for adolescent than in adults. Therefore, it is advisable to use Lamictal only for children who have partial seizures or seizures, associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. If you experienced rashes notify your doctor promptly and stop taking Lamictal. Do not exceed the suggested doses to avoid rashes.
Before starting to take Lamictal, tell your doctor if you have:
- kidney problems,
- heart problems,
- liver problems,
- allergies (especially drug allergies).
We recommend to use sunscreen and protective clothing to protect skin from sunlight because this medication can increase its sensitivity. Do not operate machinery when treating with Lamictal. Do not take alcohol while taking this drug. You should not use Lamictal during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This drug is excreted into breast milk. Do not breastfeed while intake of Lamictal.
Take lab tests and see your doctor regularly while using this drug.
Lamictal Side effects
If you take Lamictal the following side effects are possible:
- Headache, fatigue, drowsiness;
- clumsiness;
- dizziness, blurred vision, weakness.
These above listed side effects may occur the first several days. This is the way your body adjusts to Lamictal.
If any of these effects becomes bothersome, notify your doctor.
If you had a rash or allergic reaction, stop using this drug and seek immediate medical attention. The signs of allergic reaction include: swollen glands, hives, itching, fever, swelling of the lips or tongue, painful sores in the mouth or around the eyes, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects, not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
