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Lamotrigine

Brand names: Lamictal

Lamotrigine treats epilepsy and helps prevent mood episodes in bipolar disorder.

Brand namesLamictal
Type of medicineAnticonvulsant (seizure and mood medicine)
Prescription?Prescription
ImportantThis page is general information, not a prescription. Don't start, stop, or change a medicine without talking to your provider or pharmacist.

Overview

It calms overactive nerve signals. It must be started at a low dose and raised slowly over weeks to lower the chance of a serious rash.

What it's used for

  • Epilepsy (several seizure types)
  • Preventing mood episodes in bipolar disorder

How to take it

  • Follow your starter schedule exactly. Raising the dose too fast increases rash risk.
  • Take it with or without food.
  • If you miss more than a few days, call your provider before restarting; you may need to restart at a low dose.
  • Don't stop suddenly, especially if you take it for seizures.

Your dose depends on your health and other medicines. Always follow your prescription label, and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear.

Side effects

Common side effects

  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Double or blurry vision
  • Nausea
  • Unsteadiness
Call 911Any rash with fever, blisters, peeling skin, mouth sores, or swelling. Stop and get help right away.
Call your provider todayAny new rash, even if mild
Call 911Stiff neck, fever, headache, and sensitivity to light (rare meningitis)
Call 911Thoughts of suicide or harming yourself. Call or text 988 any time.

Warnings

  • Boxed warning: serious, sometimes deadly skin rashes, most often in the first 2 to 8 weeks.
  • Rash risk is higher in children and with valproate.
  • It may affect heart rhythm in people with certain heart problems.

Other medicines, foods, and alcohol

  • Valproate raises its level; doses must be adjusted.
  • Estrogen birth control lowers its level, and stopping it can raise the level.
  • Carbamazepine, phenytoin, and rifampin lower its level.

Tell your provider and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin, and supplement you take.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Often continued in pregnancy because seizures are risky. Levels change during pregnancy, so your provider will check them. Don't stop on your own.

Missed doses, overdose, and storage

If you miss a dose

Take it as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for your next dose. Then skip the missed dose. Don't take two doses at once.

If someone takes too much

Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or get help online at poison.org. Call 911 if the person collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be woken.

Storing it

Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of reach of children and pets.

Conditions it's used for

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-13.