How To Use Lamotrigine

Lamotrigine comes in the form of regular (immediate-release) tablets, extended release (long-acting) tablets (Lamictal XR), orally disintegrating tablets (Lamictal ODT) that dissolve in the mouth, and chewable dispersible tablets (Lamictal CD) that can be chewed or dissolved in liquid. 

The extended-release tablets are taken once a day. The other dosage forms are taken once or twice a day. Your doctor may ask you to take lamotrigine every other day in the beginning. You can take the medicine with or without food.

Read the prescription label carefully and follow your doctor’s dosing instructions exactly. Try to take your medicine at around the same time every day to maintain a constant lamotrigine concentration. Do not increase the dose or dosage frequency without talking to your provider. They will start you on a low dose of lamotrigine and increase the dose slowly until you reach a maintenance dose. 

Swallow the extended release tablet whole without cutting, chewing, or crushing it. Place the orally disintegrating tablet on your tongue and allow it to dissolve - you can then swallow it with a sip of water or on its own. The chewable tablets should be placed on your tongue and allowed to dissolve. You can also swallow the tablet whole or dissolve it in 1 teaspoon of liquid such as water or diluted fruit juice. It will take about a minute for the chewable dispersible tablet to dissolve. Swirl the liquid to mix the medicine well before swallowing it. Do not divide the chewable tablets and make two doses out of one tablet.

There are other medications with similar sounding names as Lamictal. Make sure you get lamotrigine. Compare the tablets you get with what is shown in the patient information leaflet to avoid any errors.

Lamotrigine will help to control your condition but will not cure it. Do not stop taking the medicine suddenly without talking to your doctor, even if your seizures are well controlled. Tell your doctor if you notice any changes in behavior or mood. Stopping lamotrigine abruptly can result in worsening seizures. Your doctor will tell you how to gradually reduce the dose and switch to another antiepileptic medication, if needed.

Missed dose: If you miss a dose of lamotrigine, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose according to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take extra medicine or a double dose to make up for a missed dose.

Storage: Store lamotrigine at room temperature (between 15-30° C or 59-86° F) away from moisture, heat, and direct light in its original container, tightly closed. Do not store medications in the bathroom where they can be exposed to moisture and heat. Keep all medications safely out of reach of children and pets.

Unused medicine: Unused lamotrigine should be disposed of in a way that children, other people, and pets cannot get to them. Do not throw lamotrigine in the trash or flush it down the toilet. The best way to properly discard expired or unneeded lamotrigine is through a drug take-back program or your local waste disposal company. Learn more about proper medication disposal. 

NOTE: This medication guide is a summary and may not contain all possible drug information on lamotrigine. The information contained here may not be up-to-date. This sheet is for information purposes only. If you have questions about lamotrigine, talk to your doctor or pharmacist for medical advice.

Discounted prices for lamotrigine start at $10.65.

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