Mine takes this ... I think I've already talked to you about it. He takes it for seizures AND mood. He takes 200 mg tab in morning, 100 mg at lunch and bedtime.
It works great for us. No blood tests. Can move up/down dosage easily. See results quickly. Downside...possible rash...we didn't have that problem.
Anyone's child taking this? Do they take it for mood or seizures and what dosage do they take?
What are the pros and cons in your honest opinion? I read on a website that there are no bloodtests required with this med...does that mean there aren't any levels to check?? Right now Mason gets bloodwork every 3 months with the depakote...they check his depakote level, but also need to check things related to his blood count and liver (or maybe it's kidneys, I can never remember which.) Does this mean lamictal has no other potential health problems to go with it? From what I have found it seems like pretty minor side effects? Is that correct?
I have read that there are more potential problems if someone starts taking lamictal and is currently on depakote, which Mason is--anyone do the switch, and what did you have to do differently?
We will be doing the switch from depakote to lamictal over the next few weeks, we are waiting to get an appt...all I know right now that they told me this is going to be a several month process, because of complications of it being combined with depakote...and eventually we will be weaning him from the depakote...this is for his seizures, but we are hoping to get better mood control with this too and eventually be able to wean him from the zyprexa he is currently taking for mood. Med changes always scare me, although I know we have to do this because he isn't getting the seizure control anymore. Just thought I would try and get first hand experience...I've read a few websites, but I don't get parent's takes on this from those!
Thanks all!
Lamictal is an antiepileptic medication, also called an anticonvulsant.
Lamictal is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat seizures in adults and children who are at least 2 years old. Lamictal is also used to delay mood episodes in adults with bipolar disorder.
Lamictal may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
If you have to stop taking Lamictal because of a serious skin rash, you may not be able to take it again in the future.
Do not stop taking Lamictal without first talking to your doctor, even if you feel better. You may have increased seizures if you stop taking Lamictal suddenly. You will need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely. Contact your doctor if your seizures get worse or you have them more often while taking Lamictal. Carry an ID card or wear a medical alert bracelet stating that you are taking Lamictal, in case of emergency. Any doctor, dentist, or emergency medical care provider who treats you should know that you are taking a seizure medication. Lamictal can cause side effects that may impair your vision or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert and able to see clearly. Taking Lamictal during early pregnancy can increase the risk of the baby being born with cleft lip or cleft palate. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or if you become pregnant during treatment.Before taking Lamictal, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any other seizure medications, or if you have:
kidney disease;
liver disease; or
If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use Lamictal, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.
FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Taking Lamictal during early pregnancy can increase the risk of the baby being born with cleft lip or cleft palate. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.Your name may need to be listed on a Lamictal pregnancy registry when you start using this medication.
Lamictal can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.Take Lamictal exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Your doctor may occasionally change your dose over several weeks or months to make sure you get the best results from this medication.
To make sure you are taking the right dose of Lamictal, your blood may need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.
If you are switching to Lamictal from another anticonvulsant medication, carefully follow your doctor's instructions about timing and dosage when switching from one drug to another.
Lamictal can be taken with or without food.
Take the regular Lamictal tablet with a full glass of water.To take the chewable dispersible tablet, you may either swallow it whole with a glass of water, or chew it first and then swallow it. You may also place the tablet into 1 teaspoon of water or diluted fruit juice and allow it to disperse in the liquid for about 1 minute. Gently swirl the liquid and then swallow all of the mixture right away. Do not save it for later use.
Do not stop taking Lamictal without first talking to your doctor, even if you feel better. You may have increased seizures if you stop taking Lamictal suddenly. You will need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely. Contact your doctor if your seizures get worse or you have them more often while taking Lamictal. Carry an ID card or wear a medical alert bracelet stating that you are taking Lamictal, in case of emergency. Any doctor, dentist, or emergency medical care provider who treats you should know that you are taking a seizure medication.Birth control pills can make Lamictal less effective, which may result in increased seizures. Your Lamictal dose may need to be changed when you start or stop using birth control pills. You may also have Lamictal side effects during the weeks when you are taking an inactive (placebo) pill from your birth control pack.
Tell your doctor if you plan to stop taking birth control pills.It is important to use Lamictal regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.
Store this medication at room temperature away from light and moisture.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Symptoms of a Lamictal overdose may include blurred vision, problems with coordination, increased seizures, feeling light-headed, or fainting.
If you have to stop taking Lamictal because of a serious skin rash, you may not be able to take it again in the future.
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; fever; swollen glands; painful sores in or around your eyes or mouth; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:the first sign of any skin rash;
fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash;
chest pain;
pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding;
fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms; or
nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Less serious side effects may be more likely to occur, such as:
dizziness or drowsiness;
blurred vision;
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, upset stomach;
headache;
lack of coordination;
anxiety, sleep problems (insomnia), unusual dreams; or
runny or stuffy nose.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
Birth control pills can make Lamictal less effective, resulting in increased seizures. Tell your doctor if you start or stop using birth control pills while you are taking Lamictal. Your Lamictal dose may need to be changed.
Before taking Lamictal, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:
hormonal forms of birth control (pills, injections, implants, or skin patches);
carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol);
divalproex (Depakote);
oxcarbazepine (Trileptal);
phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton);
primidone (Mysoline);
phenytoin (Dilantin);
rifampin (Rifadin, Rifater, Rifamate, Rimactane); or
valproic acid (Depakene).
If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to use Lamictal, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.
There may be other drugs not listed that can affect Lamictal. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.
Lamotrigine is available with a prescription under the brand name Lamictal. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medicine, especially if it is new to you.
Payne's Mom (and anyone else)--did you notice insomnia? I was just at a website that had some peoples comments and that seemed to be the biggest side effect they listed. I would hate that, he already has that! But could live with it if that seems to be the worst of it! Also I was wondering generic vs regular...which do you use...I read a little about generic not working as effectively? We had that problem when he was on tegretol...was having some break through seizures when he first started it, and all they had to do was switch him over to the regular and he was fine. Wonder if I should ask for regular right away? Is an afternoon dose usually normal...I've never had to rely on the school to give him meds...wonder how that works. Sorry for the overload of questions! bumping--to see if anyone else has an personal info to share with me on lamictal.We use Lamictal - didn't know they had come out with a generic yet...no insomnia- I think it actually helps him sleep, but he does take clonidine at the same time so maybe that makes him sleepy. It has worked well for us for over 4 years now. No complaints.