What does it do?

Lamotrigine is used to treat and prevent seizures. Sometimes it is used for other conditions, such as bipolar disorder.

Before you start

• Tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney problems.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

How should you take it?

Take lamotrigine regularly as directed. You can take it with or without food.
You can either swallow the tablets whole with a drink of water, chew them, or dissolve them in water before taking.

What if you forget a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as possible and continue as directed.

Can you take other medicines?

Some medicines available without a prescription may react with lamotrigine including:

• some antihistamines, such as chlorphenamine, hyoscine, meclozine and promethazine. These can be in medicines for allergies, nausea and colds.
• orlistat (Xenical®)

Tell your pharmacist or doctor about all medicines or treatments that you may be taking, including vitamins, herbal products (e.g. ginkgo) or recreational drugs (e.g. ecstasy).

What side effects might you notice?

Side Effects	Recommended action
Skin rash, skin peeling or blisters	Stop taking and see your doctor immediately
Suicidal thoughts Reduced number of blood cells that fight infections or help your blood to clot - symptoms include: fever, chills, sore throat or generally feeling unwell, or easy or unusual bruising or bleeding Symptoms of liver problems including: yellow skin or eyes, itching, dark urine, pale bowel motions, abdominal pain	Tell your doctor immediately
Loss of co-ordination/walking or handwriting problems, tremor	Tell your doctor
Changes in vision Dizziness, drowsiness, headache, trouble sleeping Dry mouth Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea	Tell your doctor if troublesome

If you notice any other effects, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

Other information:

• Lamotrigine can impair your ability to do tasks such as driving or using machines. Alcohol makes this worse. Discuss your risk with your health professional. (search NZTA - Are you safe to drive?)
• Do not stop taking lamotrigine without talking to your doctor first, unless you have a skin rash (see Side Effects).