Did your doctor prescribe you a medicine called Lamotrigine? Maybe the fit you are having is due to a medical condition (epilepsy) or a bipolar disorder. It is very important to be fully informed about this medicine before starting it, or if you are already using it. Because like any medicine, to get the most out of it, you need to have a good understanding of it. So today, let's talk about this simply, in a way that you can understand.
What is this Lamotrigine?
Simply put, Lamotrigine is a medication that is mainly used to treat two medical conditions.
1. Epilepsy: This medicine is used to control and prevent the condition we all know as seizures, or convulsions.
2. Bipolar Disorder: This is a condition where a person's mood suddenly changes to extreme happiness (mania) or extreme sadness, or depression. So this medicine also helps to control these abnormal mood swings.
This medicine works by calming down the overactive nerves in your body, especially in the brain. It helps control epileptic seizures and bipolar symptoms. In Sri Lanka, this medicine is available under various brand names such as Lamictal and Subvenite.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
Before prescribing lamotrigine to you, your doctor will ask you some questions. But you also have a responsibility to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
| Situation you need to report | Why is that? |
|---|---|
| If you have a history of heart disease or irregular heartbeat | Because this medicine can sometimes affect the heartbeat. |
| Immune system problems or diseases such as lupus | Because the way the body responds to the medicine may vary. |
| Kidney or liver disease | The dosage may need to be adjusted as it may affect the process of removing the drug from the body. |
| If you have had mental illness, depression, or suicidal thoughts | This medication can affect mood, so special attention needs to be paid to it. |
| If you are allergic to lamotrigine or other epilepsy medications | Because there is a risk of serious allergic reactions. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding | It is essential to talk to your doctor about whether the medication may affect the baby and its risks and benefits. |
How should I use the medicine?
Remember these instructions carefully.
- Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Never chew or crush these tablets.
- If you experience stomach upset or nausea after taking this medicine, take it with a meal or a glass of milk.
- Take the exact dose as prescribed by your doctor. Do not change the dose on your own.
- If you drink too much: If you think you have taken too much medicine, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .
- If you miss a dose: 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 two doses at once for any reason.
- This medicine is for you only: The doctor has prescribed this medicine for your condition only. Do not give it to anyone else who has the same symptoms as you.
Very important: When starting this medication, start with a very low dose and gradually increase the dose. Therefore, it may take several weeks or months to reach a stable dose. Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without your doctor's advice. Doing so may increase the frequency of fits or worsen your symptoms.
Things to keep in mind when taking medication
Possible serious skin allergies
This is the most important thing to know about lamotrigine. Some people who use this medication can develop serious skin reactions. This can happen within a few weeks or even months after starting the medication.
If you develop a red or purple rash on your skin along with symptoms of a cold, such as fever and body aches, tell your doctor right away. This rash can later turn into blisters and the skin may peel off. Also, if you develop a rash on your skin along with swollen lymph nodes on your face, lips, or neck/armpits, it is a very serious symptom. If you notice something like this, don't delay.
Sleepiness and attention
This medicine may make you feel drowsy, dizzy, or slightly blurred vision. Therefore, until you know exactly how this medicine affects your body , avoid activities that require a lot of attention, such as driving, working at heights, or operating machinery. Drinking alcohol can make this drowsiness and dizziness worse. Therefore, it is best to avoid alcohol while taking this medicine.
Take care of your mental health.
Especially if you are taking this medicine for bipolar disorder, be careful about changes in your mood. If your mood gets worse, if you become increasingly depressed, if you become extremely restless, if you have trouble sleeping, or if you have thoughts of harming yourself, tell your doctor or mental health professional right away. If you have someone who is caring for you, let them know about these changes too.
Side effects that may occur due to medication
Like any medicine, lamotrigine can cause side effects. Some of these are serious, while others are common.
| Classification of side effects | |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat |
| Severe skin reactions | Redness, blistering, peeling skin (even inside the mouth) |
| Symptoms of liver damage | Pain in the upper right abdomen, loss of appetite, yellowing of the eyes/skin, dark urine |
| Signs of infection | Fever, chills, cough, sore throat |
| Mental changes | Increased depression, suicidal thoughts |
| Other serious symptoms | Vision changes, irregular heartbeat, unusual bleeding or bruising |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| |
Take-Home Message
- Lamotrigine is a very important medication for epilepsy and bipolar disorder. Always use it as directed by your doctor.
- Before starting the medication, inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking and all medical conditions you have.
- If you experience any serious allergic symptoms, such as a rash or swelling along with a fever , seek medical advice immediately. This is very important.
- If you experience any changes in your mental state, depression, or thoughts of harming yourself, tell your doctor immediately.
- Never stop taking your medication without your doctor's advice.
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