Product Details: Lamictal (Lamotrigine)

Brand Name Options - Manufacturer: GlaxoSmithKline

Generic Options

What are Generics? A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, how it is taken, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name and works the same way in the body in the same amount of time.

The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is the generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (e.g. different shape or color), as trademark laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.

Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to invent a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name drug and sell it at substantial discounts.

Description

This medicine is an anticonvulsant used alone or with other medicines to treat certain types of seizures. It may also be used to delay the occurrence of mood problems in certain patients with bipolar disorder. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. An additional patient information leaflet is available with this medicine. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. This medicine has a bitter taste. SWALLOW WHOLE. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing.THIS MEDICINE MAY BE TAKEN on an empty stomach or with food. Take this medicine with food if it upsets your stomach. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) in a tightly-closed container, away from heat, light, and moisture. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Continue to take this medicine, even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do NOT take 2 doses at once.

Cautions

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE or take this medicine for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor. DO NOT SUDDENLY STOP TAKING THIS MEDICINE or change your dose without first checking with your doctor. Doing so may increase the frequency of your seizures. Your dose may need to be slowly lowered to avoid this effect. IF YOU STOP TAKING THIS MEDICINE for any reason, contact your doctor right away. Do not start taking it again unless your doctor tells you to do so. IF YOUR SYMPTOMS DO NOT IMPROVE or if they become worse, check with your doctor immediately. Laboratory and/or medical tests including blood levels of this medicine may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are taking this medicine. BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATMENTS, EMERGENCY CARE, OR SURGERY, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE DROWSINESS, DIZZINESS, or blurred vision. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines cause drowsiness. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. PATIENTS WITH BIPOLAR DISORDER may be at risk for suicidal thoughts or actions. There is also a risk among children, teenagers, and patients who have had suicidal thoughts or actions in the past. It is unknown if patients who take this medicine may have an increased risk. Contact the doctor immediately if you develop new, sudden or worsening symptoms such as depression, anxiety, restlessness, panic attacks or suicidal thoughts or actions. CAUTION IS ADVISED when using this medicine in children because they may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine especially the risk of skin rash. FOR WOMEN TAKING HORMONAL BIRTH CONTROL (such as birth control pills): This medicine may decrease the effectiveness of hormonal birth control. Check with your doctor if you have questions about how this medicine may affect your hormonal birth control or if you notice any changes in your menstrual pattern (such as breakthrough bleeding). If you wish to avoid pregnancy while using this medicine, discuss the use of effective birth control methods with your doctor. FOR WOMEN: THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE HARM to the human fetus. IF YOU ARE PREGNANT OR PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include blurred or double vision, constipation, decreased coordination, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, nausea, runny or stuffy nose, stomach upset, trouble sleeping, vomiting, or weakness or fatigue. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience difficult or painful urination; persistent sore throat; involuntary trembling; muscle aches; painful menstrual periods or other menstrual changes; swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet; unusual weakness or fatigue; vaginal itch or discharge; vision changes; or weight loss. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience a missed menstrual period; calf pain or tenderness; chest pain; dark urine; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever or chills; new or worsening mental or mood changes (such as anxiety, depression, restlessness, irritability, or panic attacks); new or worsening seizures; pale stools; red, swollen, or blistered skin; severe or persistent stomach pain; severe muscle pain or tenderness; shortness of breath; sores in the mouth or around the eyes; suicidal thoughts or attempts; swelling of your hands, legs, face, lips, eyes, throat, or tongue; difficulty swallowing or breathing; hoarseness; swollen lymph glands; unusual bruising or bleeding; or yellowing of the eyes or skin. STOP TAKING THIS MEDICINE AND SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION IF YOU DEVELOP A RASH. An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include itching, hives, severe dizziness, swelling, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Active Ingredients

Lamotrigine