Lamictal

Lamotrigine tablet What does this drug do? LAMOTRIGINE is used to stop seizures in people with epilepsy and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, both adults and children. It's also used to treat bipolar disorder in adults. What do I need to tell my doctor before taking this medicine? They need to know if any of these things are true about you: depression or bipolar disorder in the past folate deficiency Kidney or liver disease Suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempts; a previous suicide attempt by you or a family member An unusual or allergic reaction to lamotrigine or other seizure medications, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives. trying to get pregnant or already pregnant How do I take this medication? You should swallow this medicine with a glass of water. You shouldn't chew these pills. Take this medicine with food or milk if it makes your stomach upset. Take your dosages at regular intervals. Don't take your medicine more than the instructions say. Talk to your child's doctor about giving this medicine to a child. For certain conditions, this drug can be given to children as young as 2 years old, but there are some things to watch out for. Overdose: Call a poison control center or emergency room right away if you think you've taken too much of this medicine. NOTE: Only you can take this medicine. Don't give this medicine to anyone else. What if I forget to take one? If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If your next dose is almost due, take only that dose. Do not take duplicate or additional dosages. What could go wrong if I take this medicine? carbamazepine can affect female hormones, including birth control pills and contraceptives. Methotrexate, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone, pyrimethamine, rifampin, trimethoprim, and valproic acid This list might not include all possible ways for people to interact. Give your doctor a list of all the drugs, herbs, over-the-counter drugs, and dietary supplements you take. Tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some things may change how your medicine works. What should I keep an eye out for while I'm taking this medicine? Check in with your doctor or other health care provider often to see how you're doing. Wear a Medic Alert bracelet or necklace if you take this medicine for seizures. Carry a card with information about your condition, your medications, and your doctor or other health care professional. It's important to take this medicine just as the directions say. When you start treatment for the first time, your dose will need to be slowly changed. Your dose may not be stable for weeks or months. If your seizures get worse or if you start having new kinds of seizures, you should talk to your doctor or another health care provider. Stop taking this medicine only if your doctor or another health care professional tells you to. Stopping your medicine all of a sudden can make your seizures worse or make them happen more often. If you get a rash while taking this medicine, call your doctor or health care provider right away. Rashes can sometimes be very bad and need to be treated in the hospital. People have died from rashes. Children who take this medicine are more likely than adults to get serious rashes. These serious rashes happen most often in the first two months of treatment, but they can happen at any time. You might feel sleepy, dizzy, or have trouble seeing. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything else that requires you to be mentally alert until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This will help you avoid feeling dizzy or passing out. Alcohol can make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Try not to drink alcohol. If you are taking this medicine for bipolar disorder, it is important to tell your doctor or other health care professional about any changes in your mood. If your condition gets worse, if you feel mentally depressed, if you become very hyperactive or manic, if you have trouble sleeping, or if you think about hurting yourself or killing yourself, you need to see a doctor right away. If you care for someone with bipolar disorder who is taking this medicine, you should also tell the doctor about these changes right away. If you take this medicine, you may be more likely to think or act suicidally. Pay close attention to how you feel while you are taking this medicine. It might get dry in your mouth. Chewing gum without sugar or sucking on hard candy and drinking a lot of water might help. If the problem doesn't go away or is very bad, you should see a doctor. What are the possible side effects of this medicine? You should tell your doctor or other health care professional as soon as possible about the following side effects: allergic reactions like rashes, itching, or hives; swelling of the face, lips, or tongue; blurred or double vision; difficulty walking or making your muscles move fever sores in the mouth, eyes, or nose that hurt a lot Redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, even inside the mouth severe muscle pain swollen lymph glands uncontrollable eye movements unusual cuts or blood loss weak or tired for no reason worsening of mood, suicide or death thoughts or actions eyes or skin that are yellow Side effects that usually don't need medical help (but you should tell your doctor or health care provider if they keep happening or bother you): diarrhea or trouble going to the bathroom sleeping\sheadache nausea, sickness, and shivers This list may not describe all possible side effects. Where should I store my pills? Keep away from children. Keep at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). After the expiration date, throw away any medicine that hasn't been used.