Lamictal, 28 tabs. (Lamictal) Lamotrigine

Lamictal is a medication used to treat epilepsy and prevent manic episodes in people with bipolar disorder. This medication helps stabilize nerve activity in the brain by changing the concentration of certain chemicals. The main active ingredient of Lamictal is lamotrigine. The active ingredient lamotrigine, which belongs to the class of anticonvulsants, also has the trade name generic Lamictal.
 

What is Lamictal used for?
 

The medication Lamictal is widely used to treat epileptic seizures and as a mood stabilizer in the treatment of bipolar disorder. Excipients may include lactose, cellulose, gelatin, stearic acid and other substances that help form the tablet and dissolve it in the body.
 

How does Lamictal work?
 

Lamictal works by modulating the release of neurotransmitters in the brain, which helps stabilize electrical activity and prevent extreme moods or seizures. The basic theory is that it inhibits the release of glutamate (a neurotransmitter that is involved in increasing neural activity) and stabilizes neuronal membranes.
 

Dosage
 

For adults with epilepsy

Monotherapy: The initial dose is 25 mg once daily for two weeks, then increased to 50 mg once daily for the next two weeks. Thereafter, the dose may be increased by 50 mg every 1 to 2 weeks until an effective dose is reached, usually 100 to 200 mg daily in one or two doses.

Additional therapy: The initial dose is also 25 mg every other day for two weeks, after which the dose is increased to 25 mg daily for the next two weeks. Thereafter, the dose may be increased by 25-50 mg every one to two weeks. The usual maintenance dose is 100-400 mg daily, divided into two doses.

Maintenance therapy: Lamictal 100 mg is often used as part of a treatment plan to control partial seizures. This dose can help reduce the frequency and severity of seizures, providing a more stable condition without the severe fluctuations in blood levels of the drug that occur with higher doses.

For adults with bipolar disorder

The starting dose is 25 mg once daily for two weeks, then increased to 50 mg once daily for the next two weeks. Thereafter, the dose is increased by 50-100 mg every one to two weeks. The therapeutically effective dose is usually 100 to 400 mg per day, depending on the patient's individual response and tolerance to the drug.

Mood Stabilization: For patients with bipolar disorder, a 100 mg dose of Lamictal can effectively help stabilize mood and prevent manic or depressive episodes. This dosage helps minimize the risks of overly abrupt mood swings, which is especially important for patients suffering from this condition.
 

Contraindications
 

The drug Lamictal is not recommended for use in the following cases:

• Allergy to lamotrigine or any other component of the drug. Manifestations of allergy may include rash, itching, swelling, severe skin reactions.
• Severe liver or kidney disease. Functional state of these organs may affect the metabolism and excretion of lamotrigine, which requires dose adjustment or choice of another drug.
• Drug Interactions. Lamictal may interact with other drugs, which alters its efficacy and safety. An example of such interaction is concomitant administration of valproate, which significantly increases lamotrigine blood levels.
   

Side effects
 

Skin reactions

Rash is one of the most common side effects and can range from mild to severe, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis. If a rash occurs, immediate medical attention should be sought.

Nervous system

Headaches, dizziness, and fatigue are frequent complaints, especially at the beginning of treatment or with dose changes.

Tremor, ataxia (impaired coordination of movements), diplopia (double vision).

Psychiatric effects include anxiety, depression, or rarely, aggressive behavior and suicidal thoughts.

Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. These symptoms may diminish after becoming accustomed to the medication.

Patient reviews of Lamictal often highlight its effectiveness in managing symptoms, stabilizing mood, controlling seizures, and improving quality of life. However, some users report serious side effects, including skin reactions.
 

Interaction of Lamictal with other medications
 

Antiepileptic drugs

Valproate: May significantly increase Lamictal blood levels by slowing its metabolism in the liver. This requires downward adjustment of the lamotrigine dose to avoid toxicity.

Carbamazepine: Carbamazepine may accelerate the metabolism of Lamictal, requiring an increase in its dose of lamotrigine to achieve therapeutic effect.

Phenytoin, phenobarbital, primidone: These drugs also accelerate the metabolism of Lamictal through induction of liver enzymes, which may require an upward adjustment in lamotrigine dosage.

Oral contraceptives

Oral contraceptives contain estrogen, which may accelerate the metabolism of Lamotrigine, reducing its effectiveness. On the other hand, Lamictal may decrease the concentration of hormones in contraceptives, reducing their contraceptive effect. It is important to discuss with your doctor the possibility of dose adjustment or switching to another method of contraception.

Alcohol

Although Lamictal does not interact directly with alcohol, alcohol consumption may increase some side effects of lamotrigine, such as drowsiness and dizziness, which can be dangerous when driving or operating machinery.

Antidepressants

Some antidepressants may affect Lamictal's metabolism or its therapeutic effects. For example, sertraline or fluoxetine may increase lamotrigine levels in the blood, requiring attention to dosage and monitoring for side effects.

Antibiotics

Some antibiotics, especially rifampicin, may accelerate the metabolism of Lamictal, reducing its levels and effectiveness. When prescribing antibiotics, it is important to consider the possible effect on lamotrigine therapy.

Lamictal cost

Lamictal prices can vary greatly by region, pharmacy, and insurance coverage. Lamictal costs may be reduced by health insurance, prescription discounts, or patient assistance programs offered by some drug companies.  Lamictal generic is a more affordable alternative to the original drug and is offered by many manufacturers, which may further help lower prices through competition.
 

Questions that may arise before using Lamictal
 

Lamictal withdrawal syndrome?

When Lamictal is abruptly discontinued, withdrawal symptoms such as sleep disturbances, irritability, anxiety, and recurrence of symptoms for which the drug was originally prescribed may occur. It is important to reduce the dosage gradually under your doctor's supervision to minimize the risks.

Is Lamictal usable for anxiety?

Lamictal is not approved to treat general anxiety disorders directly, but may be useful in stabilizing mood in patients with bipolar disorder, which may indirectly reduce anxiety levels.

Does Lamictal cause weight gain?

Unlike some other medications for bipolar disorder, Lamictal is not typically associated with weight gain, making it a preferred choice for patients concerned about weight changes.

Lamictal and alcohol?

Mixing Lamictal and alcohol can increase the side effects of both alcohol and the drug, including drowsiness and dizziness. Doctors generally recommend avoiding alcohol during treatment.

Lamictal for depression?

Although Lamictal is most commonly used to treat bipolar disorder, it can also be effective in treating depressive episodes within this condition.