Lamictal, generically known as lamotrigine, is a medication that treats convulsions and bipolar disorder (psychiatric disorder characterized by fluctuations in mood). Tell your doctor if you have an existing kidney, liver or heart condition because your doctor may need to adjust your Lamictal dosage to make it safer for your ailing body, states Drugs.com. If your doctor selects Lamictal to treat your convulsive or bipolar disorder, understand its side effects.
Skin Rash
Skin rashes in children and adults are possible side effects of Lamictal use. According to RxList.com, 0.8 percent of children of ages 2 to 16 developed a serious skin rash in a study of 1,683 children and 0.3 percent of adults developed a serious rash in a study of 3,348 people. Steven-Johnson's syndrome (serious skin disease characterized by the outer layer of skin separating from its middle layer) and toxic epidermal necrosis (potentially lethal skin reaction due to medications) are possible skin diseases that can result due to Lamictal use.
Psychiatric Problems
Lamictal can contribute to the development of new psychiatric symptoms or the worsening of current symptoms, according to Drugs.com. You may feel depressed and be unable to participate in activities where you once felt joy. You may feel anxious or constantly on the edge. In other instances, you may be hostile and agitated. If your mood symptoms worsen, you may reach your endpoint and have suicidal behaviors or thoughts.
Organ Failure
If you take Lamictal while suffering from status epilepticus (seizure activity that last for more than 30 minutes), sepsis (blood infection) or hanta virus (condition that leads to pneumonia and fever), you may develop multiple organ failure. According to RxList.com, 2 out of 3,796 adults and 4 out of 2,435 children developed multiorgan failure with Lamictal use.
Overdose
If you take too much Lamictal than your doctor instructs, you can develop lack of coordination, blurry vision, increased seizures and fainting spells, according to Drugs.com. Seek prompt help to reverse the overdose symptoms.
Effects on Your Blood
Lamictal can affect the population of cells in your blood and bone marrow (region of your body where blood cells are produced). For example, you may develop anemia (low red blood cell counts), thrombocytopenia (low platelet counts) and leukopenia (low white blood cell counts). Visit your doctor regularly to check the levels of these cells in your blood.
Allergic Reaction
You can also develop an allergic response to Lamictal's ingredients. If this occurs, you may experience swollen glands, hives, fever, trouble breathing and sores around your mouth or eyes. You may also experience swelling of your face, throat and lips.
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