Lamictal is an anticonvulsant that is chemically unrelated to any other anticonvulsant or mood regulating medication.

Lamictal is prescribed to control partial seizures in people with epilepsy.

Lamictal is used alone or in combination with other medications in the treatment of seizures or as a replacement for a medication such as Tegretol, Dilantin, phenobarbital, or Mysoline.

Lamictal is also used in the treatment of bipolar disorder.

Lamictal is an anti-epileptic medicine. Lamictal works by stabilizing electrical activity in the brain.

The brain and nerves are made up of many nerve cells that communicate with each other through electrical signals. These signals must be carefully regulated for the brain and nerves to function properly. When abnormally rapid and repetitive electrical signals are released in the brain, the brain becomes over-stimulated and normal function is disturbed. This results in fits or seizures.

Lamictal prevents

Take Lamictal exactly as prescribed by your doctor. It is important to take Lamictal regularly to get the most benefit.

The dose of Lamictal must be increased slowly. It may be several weeks or months before the optimal dose can be determined. Taking more than the prescribed amount can increase your risk of developing a serious rash.

Do not stop taking Lamictal without first discussing it with your doctor. An abrupt halt could increase your seizures. Your doctor can schedule a gradual reduction in Lamictal

Lamictal is often combined with other medications used to treat epilepsy, including the following:

• Phenobarbital (Donnatal, Quadrinal, others)
• Phenytoin (Dilantin)
• Primidone (Mysoline)

Valproate (as sodium valproate, valproate semisodium or valproic acid) increases the blood level of Lamictal . If you are taking a valproate medicine when you start treatment with Lamictal , your starting dose of this new medicine will be increased more gradually than normal. You should carefully follow

Most important fact about Lamictal
You may develop a rash during the first 2 to 8 weeks of Lamictal therapy, particularly if you are also taking Depakene. If this happens, notify your doctor immediately. The rash could become severe and even dangerous, particularly in children. A slight possibility of this problem remains for up to 6 months.

In rare cases, Lamictal has been associated with severe and/ or life-threatening rashes and hypersensitivity reactions. Seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately

Side effects of Lamictal cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Lamictal .

More common side effects of Lamictal may include:
Blurred vision, dizziness, double vision, headache, nausea, rash, sleepiness, uncoordinated movements, vomiting.

Less common side effects of Lamictal may include :
Abdominal pain, accidental injury, anxiety, constipation, depression, diarrhea,