Lamictal XR ratings & reviews

Lamictal XR contains the active ingredient lamotrigine, USP, which is an antiepileptic drug (AED) of the phenyltriazine class. It is available as extended-release tablets in strengths of 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg, 200 mg, 250 mg, and 300 mg, intended for oral administration. Key inactive ingredients include colloidal silicon dioxide, hypromellose, and lactose monohydrate. Lamictal XR is designed to enable a controlled release of lamotrigine over approximately 12 to 15 hours.

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow these tablets whole. Do not chew, crush, or divide them. If this medication upsets your stomach, take it with food or milk. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medication more often than directed.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each new prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While this medication may be prescribed for children as young as 13 years of age, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at 25 degrees C (77 degrees F). Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

• Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, empty the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Change in vision
• Fever, neck pain or stiffness, sensitivity to light, headache, nausea, vomiting, confusion, which may be signs of meningitis
• Fever, rash, swollen lymph nodes, confusion, trouble walking, loss of balance or coordination, seizures
• Heart rhythm changes—fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, chest pain, trouble breathing
• Infection—fever, chills, cough, or sore throat
• Low red blood cell level—unusual weakness or fatigue, dizziness, headache, trouble breathing
• Rash, fever, and swollen lymph nodes
• Redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
• Thoughts of suicide or self-harm, worsening mood, feelings of depression
• Unusual bruising or bleeding

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Headache
• Nausea
• Stomach pain
• Tremors or shaking

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Autoimmune conditions, such as lupus
• Come from or have ancestors who come from Asia
• Have, have had, or someone in your family has an irregular heartbeat or rhythm
• Have, have had, or someone in your family has heart disease
• Have or have had suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt
• HLA-B*1502 gene variant
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Mental health conditions
• An unusual or allergic reaction to lamotrigine, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breastfeeding

What may interact with this medication?

• Atazanavir
• Certain medications for irregular heartbeat
• Certain medications for seizures, such as carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone, or valproic acid
• Estrogen or progestin hormones
• Lopinavir
• Rifampin
• Ritonavir

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

If you take this medication for seizures, wear a medical ID bracelet or chain. Carry a card that describes your condition. List the medications and doses you take on the card.

It is important to take this medication exactly as directed. When first starting treatment, your dose will need to be adjusted slowly. It may take weeks or months before your dose is stable. You should contact your care team if your seizures get worse or if you have any new types of seizures. Do not stop taking this medication unless instructed by your care team. Stopping your medication suddenly can increase your seizures or their severity.

This medication may cause serious skin reactions. They can happen weeks to months after starting the medication. Talk to your care team right away if you have fevers or flu-like symptoms with a rash. The rash may be red or purple and then turn into blisters or peeling of the skin. Or you might notice a red rash with swelling of the face, lips, or lymph nodes in your neck or under your arms.

The risk of a serious rash is higher if you take a larger dose than your care team prescribed, if you increase your dose too fast, or if you also take a medication called valproate, valproic acid, or divalproex sodium. Also, people who have an HLA-B*1502 gene variant are more likely to get a serious rash. A variant is a change in the gene code found in most people. This gene variant is more likely to occur in people of Asian descent.

This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgment. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Drinking alcohol with this medication can increase the risk of these side effects.

This medication can cause new or worsening depression and increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and actions in a small number of people. This can happen while you are taking this medication or after stopping it. Talk to your care team right away if you have changes in mood or behavior or thoughts of self-harm or suicide. They can help you.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your care team if the problem does not go away or is severe.

If you become pregnant while using this medication, you may enroll in the North American Antiepileptic Drug Pregnancy Registry by calling 1-888-233-2334. This registry collects information about the safety of antiepileptic medication use during pregnancy.

This medication may cause a decrease in folic acid. You should make sure that you get enough folic acid while you are taking this medication. Discuss the foods you eat and the vitamins you take with your care team.

What are the most serious risks of this medication?

This medication may cause rare but serious skin rashes.