The generically named lamotrigine may be prescribed for patients who suffer from epilepsy. When taken regularly at the prescribed dose, lamotrigine may prevent or control seizures of varying types associated with epilepsy, MayoClinic.com reports. The physician also may prescribe the medicine in the treatment of the mental condition known as manic-depression or bipolar disorder. All medications potentially can cause side effects.
Seizures
Although lamotrigine is prescribed to help control seizures, the medication in rare circumstances can cause seizures, MedlinePlus indicates. The medicine can cause the person's seizures to occur more often or last longer. They may occur in a more severe form than normal, too. Drugs.com states the person should get immediate medical aid if such seizures occur.
Flu-Like Syndrome
Sometimes, the person taking lamotrigine may experience a condition called flu-like syndrome, MayoClinic.com reports. As the name implies, flu-like syndrome produces symptoms indistinguishable from having the flu. The patient may get a cough and a sore throat. He may develop headaches and other aches throughout his body. He may run a fever and get the chills. His nose and chest may become congested. Although rare, flu-like syndrome associated with lamotrigine classifies as a serious side effect requiring a doctor's aid immediately.
Jaundice
A malfunction of the person's liver may occur rarely as a side effect of lamotrigine. If the liver does not cleanse the person's red blood cells properly, the condition can produce a yellowing of her skin and the white portion of her eyes. This problem, called jaundice, indicates serious problems exist because of the medication. She needs to call her doctor immediately for help.
Amenorrhea
In a woman, the use of lamotrigine can alter her normal menstrual cycles, Drugs.com reports. She may develop amenorrhea, a condition in which her periods do not occur. She also may experience other menstrual problems that may include lighter or heavier bleeding, or bleeding between periods. She needs immediate medical aid for this problem.
Edema
Edema is the retention of fluids in the body that can cause swelling. The person using lamotrigine may experience such swelling in the feet or hands, as well as in his mouth or his face. MayoClinic.com classifies this swelling as a serious but rare side effect of the drug that needs medical intervention.
Arrhythmia
Lamotrigine can cause the patient's heart to change its normal rhythm as a side effect. The drug may make the heart beat irregularly. It may cause tachycardia, an acceleration of the heart rate as well. Both of these side effects can cause chest pain and can lead to serious health problems such as high blood pressure and heart attacks.
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