What is Lamictal and when is it used?
Lamictal or Generic Lamotrigine by Torrent Pharmaceuticals is an anticonvulsant medication and it is categorized as a sodium channel blocker, even though it has some properties that suggest that it has some other properties. Because of these properties, Lamictal is not only used in treating partial, primary and secondary tonic-clonic and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome seizures, but it can also be used as a mood stabilizer. As such, it is used in the treatment of the bipolar disorder and it can also be used as an adjunct medication in treating depression. Still, the primary use for generic Lamictal (Lamotrigine) is in treating different types of epileptic seizures.
What is Lamictal and when is it used?
Lamictal is an oral medication from the anticonvulsant group of medications. It is generally considered to be a sodium channel blocker, although its spectrum of properties is a bit wider, suggesting that it has some other properties. It is due to these properties that Lamictal has also been approved as a mood stabilizer, in fact, the first mood stabilizer to be approved after lithium. Due to this, generic Lamictal is often used in the treatment of bipolar disorder, more precisely the depressive phase of the disorder. In addition to this, Lamictal is sometimes also employed as an adjunct for treating clinical depression. When it comes to epileptic seizures, Lamictal is approved for treating partial seizures as well as primary and secondary tonic-clonic seizures. In addition to this, it is one of the rare anticonvulsants that are approved for treating seizures caused by Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, which is an extremely severe type of epilepsy. Lamictal is the brand name for a medication called lamotrigine and in different countries there are different names for it. Other off-label uses for Lamictal include such as: peripheral neuropathy, cluster headaches, neuropathic pain, depersonalization disorder, PTSD, trigeminal neuralgia, migraines, borderline personality disorder, etc.
Before taking Lamictal
Before you buy Lamictal online, you will need to have a consultation with your doctor. The first reason for this is that there are numerous different types of epilepsy and Lamictal might not be the medication you should go for, as some of the types cannot be treated with this medication. Also, there is a chance that it might affect certain conditions and you need to speak to your doctor about these. More precisely, if you have any severe kidney or liver disease, if you have a history of suicidal thoughts or depression, or if you are allergic to generic Lamictal or to any other anticonvulsant medications, you will need to report this to your doctor. They will most likely need to do some tests in order to establish if you can take Lamictal safely and what dosage would be perfect for you.
Use of Lamictal during pregnancy
There are risks involved with taking Lamictal during pregnancy, especially during the first few months of the pregnancy. In such cases, the child may be born with a cleft palate or a cleft lip. Because of this, Lamictal is usually not prescribed to pregnant women, but if the doctor decides that the benefits outweigh the risks, you might still be prescribed Lamictal even if you are pregnant. You should also remember that birth control pills and Lamictal can interact, making both of these less effective. This is why you need to talk to your doctor about using birth control pills concomitantly with Lamictal. Generic Lamictal may also pass into milk which is why you need to talk to your doctor about using it if you are breastfeeding as well.
Taking Lamictal properly
If you wish to make sure that your Lamictal treatment is going to be as safe as possible and as beneficial as possible, you need to stick to the prescribed regimen. If you make changes on your own, you are only risking suffering from more seizures and harming your health. You must never take larger doses than recommended or stop using generic Lamictal before your doctor tells you to. You should also be alert of any changes to your mood or your condition, as should the people around you. Keep in mind that Lamictal works best when it is taken regularly and that is why you should make sure you take it regularly without missing any doses. Also, Lamictal may affect your reactions and your thinking. If this happens, do not drive or participate in any activities that might be hazardous.
Lamictal side effects
First of all, if you notice any changes to your mood or behavior or if your symptoms get worse once you order Lamictal and start taking it, make sure you contact your doctor. Also, if you notice any rash, do the same. The most common side effects of Lamictal are not serious and you can continue taking if you notice any of these: tiredness, dizziness, changes to the vision, changes in the menstrual periods, back pain, dry mouth, insomnia, stomach pain, mild nausea, loss of coordination, upset stomach or runny nose. More serious side effects need to be reported straight away and these include: lightheadedness, short breath, pale skin, troubles concentrating, rapid heartrate, unusual bleeding, easy bruising, swollen glands, flu-like symptoms, confusion, increased sensitivity to light, neck stiffness, chills, fever, vomiting, severe nausea, mouth sores.
Lamictal overdose
In case you suspect an overdose on Lamictal, seek emergency medical help. The symptoms of a Lamictal overdose might include increased seizures, blurred vision, lightheadedness, problems with coordination and fainting.
(Updated at Apr 13 / 2024)