1. Control Seizures With Lamictal
Doctors prescribe Lamictal to prevent and control seizures and disorders like epilepsy. It can be prescribed by itself or in conjunction with other anti-seizure medications. For people over the age of 18 with bipolar disorder, Lamictal can also prevent mood swings. The main ingredient in Lamictal is an anticonvulsant that restores the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain and regulates signals between the brain's nerve centers, preventing seizures from happening.
2. Watch Out For Rashes
You may get a sudden but severe rash when you start taking Lamictal. These rashes, called Stevens-Johnson syndrome, are more common in children than in adults and usually appear within the first two months of taking Lamictal. These rashes are serious so tell your doctor immediately if you notice any hives, swollen lymph nodes or swelling of your lips or tongue. It may just seem like a rash but it could cause permanent scarring, so act quickly.
3. Moods Might Change
Lamictal helps control the neurotransmitters in your brain, so it can affect thought patterns. It could change your behavior or make you have sudden mood swings. You might also experience an increased feeling anxiety, agitation, hostility or even thoughts of suicide. If you experience any of these emotions, or if you begin thinking or speaking at an unusually rapid rate, contact your doctor immediately.
4. There Are Pregnancy Risks
Lamictal can cause birth defects like cleft palate if a woman takes it within the first three months of pregnancy. A new mother can also pass the medication to her baby through breastmilk, so you shouldn't take Lamictal when you're pregnant or nursing. Your doctor can tell you about seizure medications that can be used in conjunction with your Lamictal so that you can lower your Lamictal dose during pregnancy or while nursing.
5. Medication Interactions Are Possible
Lamictal can change the effectiveness of other anti-seizure medications like Dilantin and Tegretol. It can also lower the effectiveness of birth control or medications used to regulate estrogen levels in the body, like medications used by menopausal women, change your menstrual patterns and cause irregular bleeding. Antihistamines and anti-anxiety medications can have an increased effect of drowsiness if you take them with Lamictal. If you take medications like these regularly, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about any interactions you should expect.
Member Comments