If your doctor has you taking lamotrigine, you should ask him whether you will need to take supplemental folic acid if he does not mention the issue on his own. In some cases, lamotrigine may interfere with your body's normal folic absorption; this can be particularly problematic in pregnant women.
Lamotrigine
Lamotrigine is the generic name for a medication that is sold under the brand name Lamictal. It is prescribed primarily to treat epilepsy, seizures and convulsions in patients of all different ages. In some cases, it is used to treat adults with bipolar disorder. Children between the ages of 2 and 16 should only take lamotrigine as part of an overall regimen of anti-epilepsy medication; only patients 16 or older should take the medication by itself.
Folic Acid
Folic acid is also known as folate or vitamin B-9. The B vitamin complex as a whole works together to help metabolize the food you eat into energy. Folic acid itself is important for proper function of the brain, the creation of red blood cells and proper usage of iron. It also contributes to the creation of the DNA and RNA, each human being's genetic building blocks. It is particularly crucial for the development of a healthy baby during pregnancy, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Lamotrigine and Folic Acid
Folic acid is found naturally in foods like spinach, kale, asparagus and beef liver. However, medications like lamotrigine that treat epilepsy can sometimes reduce a patient's normal absorption of folic acid. Therefore, your doctor may recommend that you take supplemental folic acid to ensure that your body absorbs enough. According to the American Epilepsy Society, doses of up to 15 milligrams per day of folic acid are safe, even though that is much more than most people need. Your doctor will determine the proper intake for you based on your specific circumstances.
Lamotrigine and Pregnancy
The potential for folic acid deficiency in individuals taking medications like lamotrigine is an especially high health concern for pregnant women. Insufficient folic acid is a fairly common problem that can lead to serious birth defects in the child, from a cleft palate to neural tube defects. You should discuss this issue with your doctor before becoming pregnant, or before beginning to take lamotrigine.
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