Lamictal is the brand name for the drug lamotrigine and is made by the pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline. Lamictal is used to prevent seizures and for the long-term treatment of bipolar disorder, GlaxoSmithKline reports. Although clinical trials have shown that Lamictal is generally safe and effective in treating both epilepsy and bipolar disorder, taking Lamictal is associated with possible side effects.
Skin Rashes
According to MedlinePlus, an online medical encyclopedia sponsored by the U.S. National Library of Medicine, Lamictal may cause skin rashes that, if not treated, may cause permanent disability or death. Taking Lamictal with the drugs Depakene or Depakote may increase the risk of developing this serious rash. When skin rashes do develop as a result of taking Lamictal, they usually develop within two to eight weeks of starting treatment. However, the rashes can develop at any time while taking Lamictal. The skin rashes are due to a severe allergic reaction and may be accompanied by other side effects: swelling of the hands, feet, throat, lips, or face and difficulty swallowing. Children are at an increased risk for developing the skin rashes, MedlinePlus notes, and it advises seeking immediate medical attention if any of these side effects are experienced while taking Lamictal.
Other Serious Side Effects
Drugs.com reports that Lamictal may cause other severe side effects, such as symptoms usually associated with the flu: sore throat, fever, body aches and/or chills. Also listed are chest pain; skin that easily bruises; pale skin; symptoms affecting the muscles including pain, tenderness or weakness; and gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite and abnormally colored stools. Lamictal may cause jaundice, which makes the skin and/or eyes yellow; the urine also may turn abnormally dark. Drugs.com advises people who experience these serious side effects to seek immediate medical attention.
Mild Side Effects
GlaxoSmithKline reports in Lamictal's prescribing information that the most common side effect is dizziness and headache. Drugs.com adds that Lamictal may cause other mild side effects such as drowsiness; blurred vision; mild nausea, upset stomach, vomiting and diarrhea; weight loss; lack of muscle coordination; stuffy nose; and problems with sleep, including insomnia and unusual dreams.
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