Description

Lamictal Tablets 5 mg.

Lamictal tablets 5 mg. is a prescription medication that belongs to a class of drugs called antiepileptic or anticonvulsant drugs. It is primarily used to treat epilepsy and bipolar disorder. Lamictal works by stabilizing electrical activity in the brain, thus reducing the occurrence of seizures and mood episodes in patients with epilepsy and bipolar disorder.

Indications

Lamictal tablets 5 mg. are indicated for the treatment of the following conditions:

• Epilepsy: Lamictal is used as an adjunct therapy in the treatment of partial seizures, primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures, and seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome in adults and children.
• Bipolar Disorder: Lamictal is used for the maintenance treatment of bipolar I disorder to delay the time to occurrence of mood episodes (depression, mania, hypomania, mixed episodes) in adults.

Dosage and Administration

The recommended starting dose of Lamictal tablets is 25 mg. once daily for 2 weeks, followed by a maintenance dose of 50 mg. once daily for 2 weeks. The dose may then be increased by 25-50 mg. every 1-2 weeks based on the patient’s response and tolerability.

For epilepsy, the recommended maintenance dose of Lamictal tablets is typically between 100-400 mg. per day, divided into two doses. For bipolar disorder, the recommended maintenance dose is usually between 200-400 mg. per day, depending on the patient’s response.

Lamictal tablets should be taken with a full glass of water, with or without food. It is important to follow the dosing schedule provided by your healthcare provider to ensure the best results from the medication.

Contraindications

Lamictal tablets 5 mg. are contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to lamotrigine or any of the inactive ingredients in the tablets. It should not be used in patients with a history of Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis.

Warnings and Precautions

Before starting Lamictal tablets, inform your healthcare provider about any medical conditions you have, especially liver or kidney disease. Lamictal may affect liver function, so regular monitoring of liver enzymes is recommended during treatment.

Patients taking Lamictal should be monitored for signs of suicidal thoughts or behavior, especially at the beginning of treatment or when the dose is changed. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience worsening depression, mood changes, or suicidal thoughts.

Side Effects

Common side effects of Lamictal tablets 5 mg. may include:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Blurred vision
• Nausea
• Fatigue

Serious side effects of Lamictal that require immediate medical attention include:

• Skin rash
• Fever
• Swollen glands
• Easy bruising or bleeding
• Signs of infection

If you experience any severe side effects while taking Lamictal tablets, contact your healthcare provider right away.

Drug Interactions

Lamictal tablets may interact with other medications, including:

• Valproic acid
• Carbamazepine
• Phenobarbital
• Rifampin

Inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you are currently taking, including prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal supplements, to avoid potential drug interactions.

Storage

Store Lamictal tablets at room temperature between 20-25°C (68-77°F) in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep the tablets in their original packaging and out of reach of children.

Conclusion

Lamictal tablets 5 mg. are a valuable medication for the treatment of epilepsy and bipolar disorder. By stabilizing brain activity, Lamictal helps to prevent seizures and mood episodes in patients with these conditions. It is important to follow the dosage and administration instructions provided by your healthcare provider to ensure the safe and effective use of Lamictal tablets. If you experience any concerning side effects or have questions about the medication, do not hesitate to consult your healthcare provider for guidance.