Generic Lamictal

Indications for Generic Lamictal

Lamictal or lamotrigine is a medication which is used to control seizures in patients who have epilepsy. It can also be used for controlling a serious type of epilepsy called the Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.

Lamictal is commonly used with other medications for epilepsy or as a replacement for medications like carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone and valproate.

Lamictal can also be used to prevent the depressive and/or manic phases of bipolar disorder. It can also be prescribed for various other medical conditions as determined by your doctor.

Important Information about Generic Lamictal

You should not take Lamictal if you have an allergy to lamotrigine.

In the first two to eight weeks of treatment with Lamictal, you may develop a rash, especially if you are taking Depakote or Depakene as well. If you start experiencing this, make sure to notify your doctor at once.

Because Lamictal may alter your reactions and level or alertness, avoid driving or doing any activity which would require your full awareness up until you have already been able to assess how Lamictal affects you.

Inform your doctor of all medical conditions that you have before you start taking Lamictal such as liver disease, heart disease or kidney disease. This is because there are some conditions which could require a dose adjustment of Lamictal.

Lamictal can also cause some vision problems. If you start experiencing any signs of a vision problem, then you need to immediately notify your doctor. Also tell your doctor if you experience any signs of an allergic reaction.

If you are using Lamictal for bipolar disorder, you should note that the drug must not be used as a way to stop an episode of depression or mania once it has already started.

Lamictal should not be used to treat bipolar disorder in children who are younger than 18 years old.

Tell your doctor if you are taking drugs and medications such as carbamazepine, phenobarbital, oral contraceptives, phenytoin, primidine and valproic acid to be sure they would not be interacting with Lamictal.

Lamictal belongs to the FDA pregnancy category C, which means that its effects to a developing baby are not yet known. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant, are planning to get pregnant or are nursing.

Dosage and Administration of Generic Lamictal

Lamictal or lamotrigine should only be taken as it has been prescribed for you. If you take more than the recommended dose, you would be at a greater risk of developing a rash.

You should not stop taking Lamictal if you have not checked with your doctor yet. Your doctor might be advising you to follow a gradual reduction in dosage until you are able to completely stop.

If you miss a dose of Lamictal, make sure you would be taking it at once; however, if the next dose is coming up, you could just skip it and take the next scheduled one. Never take double doses.

If you overdose on Lamictal or lamotrigine, you need to seek emergency medical help right away. Some of the symptoms of an overdose on Lamictal include coma, delayed heartbeat, decreased level of consciousness, lack of coordination, increased seizures and rolling eyeballs.

Possible Side Effects of Generic Lamictal

There are some side effects which are associated with the use of Lamictal or lamotrigine and these would include back pain, blurred vision, dizziness, constipation, double vision, fatigue, dry mouth, increased cough, headache, insomnia, rash, nausea, sleepiness, sore throat, runny nose, uncoordinated movements and vomiting.

Some of the side effects of Lamictal in children would include bronchitis, ear problems, convulsions, eczema, hemorrhage, facial swelling, indigestion, light sensitivity, infection, lymph node problems, penis disorder, nervousness, sinus infection, tooth problems, swelling, vertigo, urinary tract infection and vision problems.