Lamictal may cause a severe or life-threatening skin rash, especially in children and in people who take a very high starting dose, or those who also take valproic acid (Depakene) or divalproex (Depakote). Seek emergency medical attention if you have a skin rash, hives, blistering, peeling, or sores in your mouth or around your eyes.
Call your doctor at once if you have signs of other serious side effects, including: fever, swollen glands, severe muscle pain, bruising or unusual bleeding, yellowing of your skin or eyes, headache, neck stiffness, vomiting, confusion, or increased sensitivity to light.
Some people have thoughts about suicide while taking lamotrigine. Stay alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor.
Do not stop taking Lamictal without first talking to your doctor, even if you feel fine. You may have increased seizures if you stop using this medicine suddenly. Contact your doctor if your seizures get worse or you have them more often while taking this medicine. Taking this medication during early pregnancy can increase the risk of the baby being born with cleft lip or cleft palate. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or if you become pregnant during treatment.
Before taking this medicine
You should not take Lamictal if you are allergic to lamotrigine.
Lamictal may cause a severe or life-threatening skin rash, especially in children and in people who take a very high starting dose, or those who also take valproic acid (Depakene) or divalproex (Depakote).
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
a rash or allergic reaction after taking another seizure medication;
kidney or liver disease;
heart problems such as heart block or irregular heartbeats;
depression, suicidal thoughts or actions; or
meningitis (inflammation of the tissue that covers the brain and spinal cord) after taking Lamictal.
Some people have thoughts about suicide while taking lamotrigine. Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits. Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms.
Do not start or stop taking seizure medication during pregnancy without your doctor's advice. Having a seizure during pregnancy could harm both mother and baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of lamotrigine on the baby.
Birth control pills can make lamotrigine less effective, resulting in increased seizures. Tell your doctor if you start or stop using birth control pills. Your lamotrigine dose may need to be changed.
It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.
