Seizures, or epilepsy, is a dysfunction of the brain caused by an abnormal firing of signals by nerves in the brain. These abnormal firings can affect one area of the brain and cause certain specific symptoms, or it can affect the entire brain and cause a full-body shaking seizure. According to the Mayo Clinic, about one in 100 people in the United States has a seizure at some point. Although epilepsy can be a difficult condition to deal with, medications can help prevent epileptic episodes. Lamotrigine (Lamictal) is a common medication used to treat epilepsy. As with all medications, you should know its ingredients and possible side effects.
Lamotrigine
Lamotrigine is the only active ingredient in this anti-seizure medication, according to Drugs.com. The mechanism by which lamotrigine works is not fully understood; however, researchers believe that this ingredient stabilizes signals in neurons in the brain to reduce the occurrence of seizures. Lamotrigine is also best used for partial seizures or seizure of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, according to Drugs.com. This ingredient has many side effects. The most serious side effects include skin rash, fever, sore throat, headache, chest pain, pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, muscle pain, weakness, dark urine, nausea, stomach pain, clay-colored stools and jaundice, according to Drugs.com. These side effects are serious, prompting immediate medical attention. Less serious side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, upset stomach, headache, lack of coordination, weight loss, sleep problems and runny nose. If you're experiencing less serious side effects, consult your doctor.
Inactive Ingredients
Inactive Ingredients, also termed excipients, are substances that support the active ingredient and help with ease of use. They don't have a direct affect on symptoms. According to Drugs.com, the inactive ingredients in lamotrigine are silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate, mannitol, cellulose, microcrystalline and saccharin sodium. If you're allergic to any of these ingredients, alert your doctor before taking lamotrigine.
Drug Interactions
Other drugs that you may be taking may interfere with the effectiveness of lamotrigine. According to Drugs.com, alert your doctor if you are taking hormonal forms of birth control (pills, injections, implants or skin patches), carbamazepine (Carbatrol and Tegretol), divalproex (Depakote), oxcarbazepine (Trileptal), phenobarbital (Luminal and Solfoton) primidone (Mysoline), phenytoin (Dilantin), rifampin (Rifadin, Rifater, Rifamate and Rimactane), or valproic acid (Depakene). Your doctor may be able to prescribe a different anti-seizure medication or change a medication that you have been taking.
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