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Drug Class
Antiepileptic
Common Uses
- Epilepsy
- Bipolar Disorder
Common Brand Names
Lamictal, Lamight, Epigen, Lamosyn, Lamoga
Overview
Lamotrigine is a medicine used to treat epilepsy. It can also help prevent low mood (depression) in adults with bipolar disorder.
Seizures are bursts of electrical activity in the brain that temporarily affect how it works. Lamotrigine slows these electrical signals down to stop seizures.
Lamotrigine is available on prescription in some countries.
Important Facts
- You'll usually take lamotrigine once or twice a day. You can take it with or without food.
- It can take up to 6 weeks for lamotrigine to work. You may still have seizures or feel low during this time.
- The most common side effects of lamotrigine are skin rashes and headaches.
- You can drink alcohol with lamotrigine but it may make you feel sleepy or tired, and alcohol and hangovers can bring on seizures in some people with epilepsy.
- Do not stop taking lamotrigine without talking to your doctor first.
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