Has your doctor prescribed you a medication called Lamotrigine? It could be that your seizures are caused by a condition called Epilepsy or Bipolar Disorder. You may have a lot of questions about this medication. It's normal to wonder, "What will happen with this?" and "What should I be concerned about?" Don't worry, today we'll talk about this medication in a simple and clear way.
What kind of medicine is this Lamotrigine?
Simply put, lamotrigine is a sedative that controls the overactivity of your body's nervous system.
- For people with epilepsy: This medicine helps to stop or control seizures by controlling abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
- For people with bipolar disorder: This medication helps control the mood swings between mania and depression that occur in this illness.
Doctors may also prescribe this medicine for other medical conditions, so if you have any concerns, ask your doctor about it.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
Before starting this medication, it is very important that your doctor knows your medical history. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the conditions listed below.
- If you have a history of heart disease or irregular heartbeat
- If you have kidney or liver disease
- Immune system problems, for example, a condition like lupus
- If the level of folic acid in the blood is low
- If you have had mental illness, suicidal thoughts, plans or attempts (yours or someone in your family)
- If you have had an allergic reaction to lamotrigine or other seizure medications, other medications, foods, or dyes.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- If you are a breastfeeding mother
Based on this information, your doctor will be able to determine the most appropriate and safest treatment option for you.
How exactly do I use this pill?
This medication comes in the form of a chewable tablet. There are several ways you can use it.
- Swallow it whole: The tablet can be swallowed whole with water.
- Chew and eat: The tablet can be chewed well and swallowed with a little water.
- Dissolve and drink: Place the tablet in a small amount of water (about a teaspoon) or fruit juice and let it dissolve. After about a minute, the tablet will dissolve completely. Then stir the liquid well and drink it all at once. The most important thing is to drink all of the liquid in which the medicine is dissolved in order for the prescribed dose to be fully absorbed into the body.
Take the medicine exactly as prescribed, at the time prescribed by your doctor. Never take more than the prescribed amount.
When you get your medicine from the pharmacy, you will receive a special instruction leaflet (MedGuide). It is very important to read this leaflet carefully every time you take your medicine.
What to do if you miss a dose of medicine?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take a double dose for any reason.
Things you should be especially careful about when taking the medicine
- Follow your doctor's instructions: When starting this medication, start with a very low dose and increase the dose gradually. It may take several weeks or months to reach a stable dose that suits you. Therefore, take the medication exactly as your doctor tells you.
- Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly: Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly without your doctor's advice. Doing so may increase the frequency of your seizures or worsen your symptoms.
- Watch for skin changes: This is very important! This medicine can sometimes cause serious skin reactions. This condition can occur weeks or months after starting the medicine. If you develop a rash with symptoms such as fever or chills, tell your doctor right away. These rashes may turn red or purple, then blister and the skin may peel off. Also, if the rash is accompanied by swelling of the face, lips, neck or armpits, it is also a serious sign.
- Drowsiness and dizziness: This medicine may make you feel sleepy, dizzy, or have blurred vision. Avoid doing tasks that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know how this medicine affects you.
- Mental health: If you are taking this medication for bipolar disorder, be aware of your mood swings. If your mood worsens, you become depressed, feel hyperactive/manic, or have suicidal thoughts, seek medical advice immediately.
- Pregnancy: If you become pregnant while taking this medicine, tell your doctor immediately.
Side effects that may occur due to medication
Like any medication, lamotrigine can cause side effects. Some are serious, while others are common. It's important to be aware of these.
| Type of side effect | Features to watch out for |
|---|---|
| If you have these symptoms, see a doctor immediately or go to the Emergency Department (ETU). | |
| Severe allergies | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face/lips/tongue, difficulty breathing. |
| Serious skin reactions | Redness of the skin, blistering, peeling of the skin (even inside the mouth), fever and swollen lymph nodes. |
| Liver damage | Pain in the right upper abdomen, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, unusual tiredness. |
| Changes in heart rate | Fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, chest pain, difficulty breathing. |
| Mental changes | Suicidal thoughts, depression, worsening mood. |
| Other serious symptoms | Fever, stiff neck, difficulty looking at light, headache, vomiting, changes in vision, unusual bruising or bleeding. |
| These are usually not serious, but tell your doctor if they persist. | |
| Common side effects | Drowsiness, dizziness, headache, nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea, tremors. |
What to do if you overdose?
If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, go to the nearest Emergency Department (ETU) immediately . Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
How to store and dispose of medicine safely?
- Keep away from children and pets.
- Store at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius), away from light and moisture, and tightly closed to prevent air from escaping.
- Do not use expired medicine.
- Ask your doctor about the safest way to dispose of unused or expired medications.
Take-Home Message
- Lamotrigine is a medication that should be used with great caution and only under medical advice. Take the prescribed dose, at the prescribed time, as prescribed by your doctor.
- Avoid stopping the medication suddenly for any reason without medical advice.
- After you start taking the medicine, be very careful about any changes in your skin, especially a rash. If you notice any of these, tell your doctor immediately.
- If you experience any changes in your mood, behavior, or thoughts, especially thoughts of suicide, seek medical advice immediately.
- Don't be shy about talking to your doctor about any questions or concerns you have about this medication.
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