Generic Lamictal

Lamictal is generically prescribed as lamotrigine, and is often used epileptic and other seizures related to epilepsy and seizure disorders. Lamictal is sometimes used to treat or significantly delay mood symptoms in adults with bipolar disorder and has on rare occasion been prescribed as a low dose pain reliever.

Lamictal should not be universally prescribed and a thorough medical history should be evaluated prior to prescribing this medication. Patients whose medical histories include heart disease, liver disease, or kidney disease, or patients who are under the age of two years old may or may not be able to successfully take Lamictal or may require careful monitoring while undergoing drug therapy with Lamictal. Naturally, it depends on the condition, the severity of the condition, and patient compliance.

The American Food and Drug Administration rated Lamictal a pregnancy risk category C. Lamictal may cause harm or birth defects to an unborn fetus. This medication has been proven to pass through the mother’s breast milk and presents the risk of affecting a nursing baby. The prescribing physician should not prescribe Lamictal to women who are nursing, pregnant, or who may become pregnant while undergoing drug therapy with this medication.

Lamictal presents a risk of side effects. Some side effects may be severe. If the patient presents with symptoms related to serious side effects or an allergic reaction, the patient should be administered immediate emergency medical attention. An allergic reaction will present with symptoms which are likely to include facial swelling, swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue, or throat, hives, and difficulty breathing. Other serious side effects may present with symptoms which include a skin rash, sudden bruising, unexplained bleeding, chest pain, pale skin, low fever, shill body aches, flu symptoms, nausea, stomach pain, dark urine, jaundice, loss of appetite, or clay colored stools. This medication has been proven to cause a life threatening skin rash, mostly in children. The first sign of any skin rash requires immediate emergency medical attention.

There are less serious side effects often associated with Lamictal, and generally these do not require emergency medical treatment. Less serious side effects include stuffy nose, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, upset stomach, dizziness, drowsiness, headaches, blurry vision, weight loss, lack of coordination, anxiety, insomnia, intense dreams, and nightmares. It is not uncommon to reduce these side effects by reducing the dose of Lamictal.

This medication should be taken exactly as prescribed. A missed dose should be taken as soon as it has been remembered unless it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose. Taking too much of this medication may result in an overdose. If an overdose is suspected the patient should be sent to the nearest emergency room for treatment. Symptoms of overdosing on Lamictal include loss of coordination, blurry vision, lightheadedness, fainting, or a sudden increase in seizures.

Lamictal presents a risk of drug interactions and a thorough medical history should be understood before the prescribing physician recommends this medication. Patients should be urged to inquire with the prescribing physician before they take any new medications, including over the counter medication, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Lamictal has a known history of interacting with hormonal related birth control including pills, injection, implants, or skin patches, carbamazepine, divalproex, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital, primidone, phenytoin, rifampin, and valproic acid.

Additional information regarding this medication may be acquired through a physician or a pharmacist.