Brand Name
Lamictal
Common Name
lamotrigine
In this drug factsheet:
DIN (Drug Identification Number)| 02142104 | LAMICTAL 100MG TABLET |
| 02142112 | LAMICTAL 150MG TABLET |
| 02142082 | LAMICTAL 25MG TABLET |
| 02243803 | LAMICTAL 2MG CHEW TABLET |
| 02240115 | LAMICTAL 5MG CHEW TABLET |
How does this medication work? What will it do for me?
Lamotrigine belongs to a class of medications known as antiepileptics. It is used alone or in combination with other medications to manage seizures associated with epilepsy when other medications have not been effective or have been stopped. It is also used along with other medications to manage seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Lamotrigine works by decreasing the chemicals in the brain that are believed to contribute to seizures.
This medication may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
How should I use this medication?
The recommended dose of lamotrigine varies according to a person's need and the other antiepileptic medications they are taking. In adults, lamotrigine is started at a low dose, ranging from 25 mg every other day to 50 mg once a day. Over a number of weeks, the dose is gradually increased until a maintenance dose is reached, ranging from 50 mg to 250 mg twice a day. In children, lamotrigine is given according to the weight of the child.
Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
The chewable tablets may be swallowed whole, chewed, or dissolved in a teaspoonful of water and then swallowed immediately.
Lamotrigine may be taken with or without food.
It is important to take this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Chewable/Dispersible Tablets
2 mg
Each white, round tablet, engraved "LTG" over "2", contains lamotrigine 2 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: aluminum magnesium silicate, blackcurrant flavour, calcium carbonate, hydroxypropylcellulose, magnesium stearate, povidone, saccharin sodium, and sodium starch glycolate.
5 mg
Each white to off-white, elongated and biconvex tablet, engraved "GS CL2" on one side and "5" on the other (initiation dose only), contains lamotrigine 5 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: aluminum magnesium silicate, blackcurrant flavour, calcium carbonate, hydroxypropylcellulose, magnesium stearate, povidone, saccharin sodium, and sodium starch glycolate.
Tablets
25 mg
Each white, scored, shield-shaped tablet, engraved with "LAMICTAL" and "25", contains lamotrigine 25 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cellulose, lactose, magnesium stearate, povidone, and sodium starch glycolate.
100 mg
Each peach, scored, shield-shaped tablet, engraved with "LAMICTAL" and "100", contains lamotrigine 100 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cellulose, lactose, magnesium stearate, povidone, sunset yellow FCF Lake, and sodium starch glycolate.
150 mg
Each cream, scored, shield-shaped tablet, engraved with "LAMICTAL" and "150", contains lamotrigine 150 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cellulose, ferric oxide (yellow), lactose, magnesium stearate, povidone, and sodium starch glycolate.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Do not take this medication if you are allergic to lamotrigine or any ingredients of the medication.
