Lamictal
Lamictal is a medicine used to treat epilepsy and bipolar disorder.
How to Use
Dosage
Your doctor will start you on a low dose and gradually increase it. For adults and children over 13, the usual effective dose is 100-400 mg daily. For children 2-12 years old, the dose depends on weight, typically 1-15 mg per kg.
Method
Take your dose once or twice a day, with or without food, as prescribed by your doctor. Tablets can be swallowed whole with water, chewed (with a little water), or dissolved in water (stir, drink all, then add more water and drink again).
Never take more Lamictal than your doctor has prescribed. The usual maximum for adults and children over 13 is 400 mg daily, and for children 2-12 years old, up to 200 mg daily.
Possible Side Effects
- •Headache
- •Rash
- •Irritability or feeling angry
- •Feeling tired or sleepy
- •Dizziness
- •Shaking or tremor
- •Trouble sleeping
- •Feeling restless or agitated
- •Diarrhea
- •Dry mouth
- •Nausea or vomiting
- •Back, joint, or other pain
- •Clumsiness or lack of coordination
- •Double vision or blurred vision
- •Unusual hair loss
- •Skin rash or sunburn after sun exposure (photosensitivity)
- •Target-like skin rash (erythema multiforme)
- •Symptoms of meningitis (e.g., fever, headache, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, nausea, vomiting)
- •Fast, uncontrolled eye movements (nystagmus)
- •Itchy, watery eyes with crusty eyelids (conjunctivitis)
- •Changes in blood tests (e.g., anemia, low white blood cells or platelets)
- •Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there)
- •Confusion
- •Unsteadiness when moving
- •Uncontrolled body movements, tics, or muscle spasms
- •More frequent seizures (for epilepsy patients)
- •Worsening Parkinson's symptoms
- •Lupus-like reaction (back or joint pain, fever, general unwellness)
- •Bone changes (weakening of bones or fractures)
- •Kidney inflammation
- •Nightmares
- •Weakened immune system
- •Red lumps or patches on the skin (pseudolymphoma)
- •Severe blood clotting disorder with unexpected bleeding or bruising
Important Warnings
- Do not take Lamictal if you are allergic to lamotrigine or any other ingredient in the medicine. If you are unsure, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
- Call your doctor or go to the nearest hospital right away if you get a rash, fever, swelling (especially of your face or glands), sores in your mouth or eyes, or unexpected bleeding or bruising. These can be signs of a very serious, life-threatening reaction.
- If you have thoughts of harming yourself or suicide, or if your mood gets worse, talk to your doctor right away or go to the nearest hospital.
- If you take Lamictal for epilepsy and your seizures become more frequent or severe, tell your doctor immediately.
- Lamictal is not for people under 18 years old who have bipolar disorder.
Show 3 more warnings
- If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine. Do not stop taking Lamictal for epilepsy without talking to your doctor first.
- This medicine can make you dizzy or cause double vision. Do not drive or use machines until you know how it affects you.
- Always tell your doctor or pharmacist about all other medicines you are taking, including any herbal products or medicines you buy without a prescription.
Use in Elderly Patients
Suitable for older adults, with specific precautions. Numerous potential adverse effects.. Consider common and sometimes serious adverse skin reactions. Reduce the dose in severe renal impairment. (updated 6.10.2025)