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Frequently Asked Questions
(FAQs) About LAMICTAL
(with Dr. Thompson)
The answers to these questions are provided by Thomas R. Thompson, MD, Director, Neurosciences-Psychiatry, Medicine Development Centre for GlaxoSmithKline.
Dr. Thompson earned his medical degree at Temple University and completed his psychiatric training at Emory University. He is certified in Psychiatry by the American Board of Neurology and Psychiatry, with subspecialty certification in Geriatric Psychiatry. He has given presentations and has written on such topics as bipolar disorder, depression, and mood stabilizers. In 2003-2004, he was named by his peers as one of "The Best Doctors in America."
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My biggest problem is bipolar depression. Can LAMICTAL help?
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Yes, LAMICTAL may help. In long-term studies, LAMICTAL was shown to be effective in the maintenance treatment of bipolar I disorder. In particular, it can help delay episodes of bipolar depression. As always, I recommend that you consult with your healthcare provider to determine the best treatment for you.
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I'm feeling better - should I stop taking LAMICTAL?
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No, do not stop taking LAMICTAL or any of your other medications unless instructed by your healthcare provider. Contact your healthcare provider if you stop taking LAMICTAL for any reason. Do not restart without consulting your healthcare provider.
Remember, do not increase your dose of LAMICTAL or take more frequent doses than those indicated by your healthcare provider. If you miss a dose of LAMICTAL, do not double your next dose.
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Why did my healthcare provider prescribe LAMICTAL?
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Remember, bipolar disorder is usually a lifelong condition. Your healthcare provider may have prescribed LAMICTAL to help you achieve your long-term treatment goals. LAMICTAL does not take away the initial feelings of depression or mania you may be experiencing. Instead, LAMICTAL can help keep mood episodes, especially depression, from coming back. Regular follow-up with your healthcare provider is important.
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Can I take LAMICTAL during pregnancy?
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The effects of LAMICTAL during pregnancy are not known at this time. If you are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant, talk to your healthcare provider.
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Isn't LAMICTAL also used for epilepsy?
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Yes, LAMICTAL also is an FDA-approved therapy for several forms of epilepsy. This is not unusual; many medications have been shown to work for more than one health condition.
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Is LAMICTAL appropriate for children with bipolar disorder?
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LAMICTAL is used as maintenance treatment for bipolar I disorder to delay the time to occurrence of mood episodes in people aged 18 years or older treated for acute mood episodes with standard therapy. Some medicines used to treat depression have been associated with suicidal thoughts and suicidal behavior in children or teenagers. LAMICTAL is not approved for treating children or teenagers with mood disorders such as bipolar disorder or depression.
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Can I take other medications while I'm taking LAMICTAL?
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Both prescription and non-prescription medications can interact with LAMICTAL. So, it's important to check with your healthcare provider or pharmacist before taking any other medications or herbal remedies such as those sold in drugstores and health food stores. Do not start or stop using birth control pills or other female hormonal products until you have consulted your healthcare provider. Stopping or starting these products may cause side effects (such as dizziness, lack of coordination, or double vision) or decrease the effectiveness of LAMICTAL. Also, tell your healthcare provider as soon as possible if you experience side effects or changes in your menstrual pattern (eg, breakthrough bleeding) while taking LAMICTAL and these medications. |
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What should I do if I miss a dose of LAMICTAL?
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If you miss a dose of LAMICTAL for any reason, do not double the next dose. Simply take the next scheduled dose on time. If you find that you are missing doses, ask your healthcare provider about ways to help you stay on track. Remember, do not stop taking LAMICTAL or any other medication unless your healthcare provider tells you to. Contact your healthcare provider if you stop taking LAMICTAL for any reason. Do not restart without consulting your healthcare provider.
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What are the common side effects of LAMICTAL?
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Most people who take LAMICTAL can tolerate it well. However, as with all medications, some people experience side effects. The most common side effects with LAMICTAL include dizziness, headache, blurred or double vision, lack of coordination, sleepiness, nausea, vomiting, insomnia, tremor, and rash. LAMICTAL may cause other side effects not listed here. If you develop any side effects or symptoms you are concerned about, or if you need more information, call your healthcare provider.
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Are any side effects of LAMICTAL serious?
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Although most patients who develop rash while receiving LAMICTAL have mild to moderate symptoms, some individuals may develop a serious skin reaction that requires hospitalization. Rarely, deaths have been reported. These serious skin reactions are most likely to happen within the first 8 weeks of treatment with LAMICTAL. Serious skin reactions occur more often in children than in adults.
Rashes may be more likely to occur if you: (1) take LAMICTAL in combination with valproate [Depakene®* (valproic acid) or Depakote®* (divalproex sodium)], (2) take a higher starting dose of LAMICTAL than your doctor prescribed, or (3) increase your dose of LAMICTAL faster than prescribed.
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How can I know if a mild rash will develop into something more serious?
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It is not possible to tell if a mild rash will develop into a more serious reaction. For this reason, it's important that if you develop any kind of skin rash, hives, fever, swollen glands in the neck, painful sores in the mouth and around the eyes, or swelling of the lips or tongue, tell a healthcare provider right away, since these symptoms may be the first signs of a serious reaction. A healthcare provider will evaluate the condition and decide whether LAMICTAL should be stopped.
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