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Medicine

Lamotrigine – epilepsy and bipolar disorder

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A simple and personal explanation of the medicine for patients and families.

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Overview

Lamotrigine is a medicine that affects electrical signaling in the brain. It is used for epilepsy and sometimes for bipolar disorder to create more stability and calm. This medicine is started slowly because the body needs time to get used to it.

Ibrahim's pharmacy advice

I often explain it like this: lamotrigine is not a medicine that should be increased too quickly. It has to be built up slowly so the brain can adjust calmly and so the risk of rash or stronger reactions becomes lower. That is why you should not change the dose on your own or stop suddenly.

Use

  • Lamotrigine is used for epilepsy.
  • It affects brain signaling and can reduce or prevent seizures.
  • It is also used in some people with bipolar disorder, especially to help prevent depressive episodes.

Dosage and Ibrahim's advice

  • It is often started at a low dose and increased slowly over several weeks.
  • The dose may depend on other medicines you take at the same time.
  • Do not stop suddenly, because seizure risk may increase.
  • If you have missed the medicine for several days in a row, contact your doctor or pharmacy before restarting.

Side effects

  • Headache, dizziness, tiredness, or drowsiness.
  • Nausea, stomach upset, or vomiting.
  • Blurred vision or double vision.
  • Rash may occur, especially at the beginning.

Drug interactions

  • Some medicines such as valproate can increase the effect of lamotrigine.
  • Other medicines such as carbamazepine, phenytoin, or phenobarbital can reduce the effect of lamotrigine.
  • Hormonal contraception and lamotrigine can affect each other, so ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Important warnings

  • If you get a rash, blisters, sores in the mouth or eyes, fever, or a strong feeling of illness, seek medical advice immediately.
  • If you previously stopped lamotrigine because of a rash, do not restart it without medical advice.
  • Dizziness or blurred vision may happen early in treatment, so be careful with driving.

Ramadan and fasting

  • Talk with your doctor before Ramadan.
  • If you take the medicine twice daily, it can often be timed with iftar and suhoor as part of the treatment plan.
  • Do not change the dosing plan on your own.

Food and drink

  • It can be taken with or without food.
  • Swallow the tablet with a glass of water.
  • If nausea happens, take it with food.

Storage

  • Keep out of reach of children and store below 25°C.
  • Keep in the original packaging.
  • Do not use after the expiry date.
  • Return leftover medicine to the pharmacy.

Sources

This text is written in a personal and simple style, but the medical information is based on official sources.