Lamotrigine is a drug to prevent and relieve seizures in people with epilepsy. This drug can also be used to treat bipolar disorder in adults.
Lamotrigine belongs to the class of anticonvulsant drugs. This drug works by reducing the release of glutamate in the brain, thereby preventing nerve cells in the brain from being overactive. That way, seizures can be relieved.
For people with bipolar disorder, lamotrigine affects certain receptors in the brain that help control mood.
Trademarks of lamotrigine: Lamictal, Lamiros 50, Lamiros 100
What is Lamotrigine
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Anticonvulsants |
| Benefit | Relieves seizures in people with epilepsy and treats bipolar disorder |
| Consumed by | Adults and children |
| Lamotrigine for pregnant and lactating women | Category C: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus Lamotrigine can be absorbed into breast milk. For breastfeeding mothers, it is advisable to consult a doctor before taking this drug. |
| Drug form | Tablets and tablets dispersible |
Precautions Before Taking Lamotrigine
Lamotrigine should only be used with a doctor's prescription. Before using this drug, you need to pay attention to the following points:
- Do not take lamotrigine if you are allergic to this drug. Always tell your doctor about any allergies you have.
- Tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you have or have had kidney disease, ascites, liver disease, Brugada syndrome, depression, heart disease, autoimmune disease, blood disorders, or bone marrow disorders.
- Do not drive a vehicle or operate equipment that requires alertness, while you are taking lamotrigine, as this medicine may cause dizziness and drowsiness.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking supplements, herbal products, birth control pills, or hormonal medications.
- Lamotrigine can cause mood swings or mood. See your doctor right away if you have the urge to hurt yourself or kill yourself while you are taking this medicine.
- See your doctor right away if you have an allergic drug reaction, serious side effect, or overdose after taking lamotrigine.
Dosage and Rules for Use of Lamotrigine
Lamotrigine should only be used as prescribed by a doctor. The following are general doses of lamotrigine based on the patient's condition and age:
Condition: Epilepsy
Monotherapy or adjunct therapy without other antiepileptic drugs valproate
- Mature: Initial dose is 25 mg, once daily, for 2 weeks, then 50 mg, once daily, for 2 weeks. Thereafter, increase to a maximum of 50–100 mg per day, every 1–2 weeks.
- Children ages 2–12 years: The initial dose is 0.3 mg/kg body weight per day for 2 weeks, then 0.6 mg/kg body weight per day for 2 weeks. Thereafter, increase to a maximum of 0.6 mg/kg per day every 1-2 weeks.
Condition: Bipolar disorder
Monotherapy or adjunct therapy without valproate or other antiepileptic drugs
- Mature: The initial dose is 25 mg once daily for 2 weeks, then 50 mg daily in 1-2 divided doses for 2 weeks. Thereafter, 100 mg per day in 1–2 divided doses for 1 week, then increase to a target dose of 200 mg per day.
Adjunctive therapy with enzyme-induced antiepileptic drugs, without the use of valproate
- Mature: The initial dose is 50 mg once daily for 2 weeks, then 50 mg twice daily for 2 weeks. Thereafter, 100 mg twice daily for 1 week, then 150 mg twice daily for 1 week, and increase to a target dose of 400 mg daily.
Adjunct therapy with valproate
- Mature: The initial dose is 25 mg every 2 days for 2 weeks, then 25 mg once a day for 2 weeks. Thereafter, 50 mg per day in 1–2 divided doses for 1 week, then increase to a target dose of 100 mg per day. The maximum dose is 200 mg per day.
How to Take Lamotrigine Correctly
Follow your doctor's advice and read the instructions on the medicine package before starting to take lamotrigine. This medicine can be taken before or after meals.
If you are taking regular tablets, swallow the medication whole with a glass of water. If taking tablets dispersible, you can swallow it whole, chew it, or dissolve it in water. Once the tablet dissolves, make sure you drink a glass of water immediately.
Take lamotrigine regularly to make it more effective. Do not stop taking the drug even if you feel better, except on the advice of a doctor.
If you forget to take lamotrigine, it is advisable to do it immediately if the break with the next consumption schedule is not too close. If it is close, ignore it and do not double the dose.
Store lamotrigine in a dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.
Lamotrigine Interactions with Other Drugs
Lamotrigine can cause drug interactions when used with other medicines. The following are some of the effects of drug interactions that may occur:
- Increased concentrations of lamotrigine and risk of severe skin reactions when used with valproate
- Decreased lamotrigine concentration when used with carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, primidone, rifampicin, atazanavir-ritonavir, lopinavir-ritonavir, or hormonal contraceptives
Lamotrigine Side Effects and Dangers
Some of the side effects that can occur after taking lamotrigine are:
- Severe skin rash
- Dizzy
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Throw up
- Stomach ache
- Visual disturbance
- Dizziness or headache
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea or vomiting
- dry mouth
Consult a doctor if the side effects above do not subside immediately or get worse. You need to see a doctor immediately if you experience an allergic drug reaction or more serious side effects, such as:
- Faint
- Muscle ache
- Irregular heartbeat
- Skin that bruises or bleeds easily
- Seizures are more frequent or with a longer duration
- Easy bruising
- Suicidal thoughts or attempts
