LAMICTAL XR

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
LAMICTAL XR may cause a serious skin rash that may cause you to be hospitalized or to stop LAMICTAL XR; it may rarely cause death (See Boxed Warning). CONTINUED BELOW

Prescribing Information, including Boxed Warning and Medication Guide.

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Talking With Your Doctor

Since people with epilepsy are usually prescribed medicine, it's especially important to discuss your long-term plans with your doctor. It's never too soon to consider how your seizure disorder and the medicine you take to manage it might impact each stage of your life.

You may want to talk with your doctor about LAMICTAL XR if:

  • You've been taking LAMICTAL twice a day and would like to see if taking
    LAMICTAL XR once a day is right for you
  • You've been taking other medicines for seizure control but are unsatisfied with your treatment

Our free guide can help!

You can download a guide to bring with you to your doctor. The guide can help you begin your discussion about LAMICTAL XR. It also tells you more about the special savings offer for LAMICTAL XR. Subject to eligibility requirements.

Another step to help you talk more easily to your doctor could be completing the
Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire. Your answers may help you and your doctor develop a treatment plan that's right for you. Remember to ask your doctor about LAMICTAL XR.

Remember, if your doctor thinks you should give LAMICTAL XR a try, you can sign up to receive a savings card for up to $40 off on up to 12 prescriptions for LAMICTAL XR. Click here. Subject to eligibility requirements.

Communication about your seizure disorder is important

Consider yourself a partner with your doctor in your own healthcare. The more you know about seizure disorders, the better you can help take care of yourself and talk to your doctor.

When you speak with your doctor or other healthcare professionals, be prepared with the following information:

  • The names of all medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, prescription medicines, vitamins, supplements, and/or herbal remedies.
  • Your answers to the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire. The questionnaire asks questions about problems people with a seizure disorder may potentially experience. Some of these may be symptoms of epilepsy itself, while others may be related to the medication you take for your seizures, and still others may be unrelated.
  • Keep track of your seizures using the Events Calendar (PDF) provided on this site. Bring it to medical appointments or refer to it when on the phone so your doctor will have a clear understanding of exactly what you are experiencing. This may help your doctor plan the right treatment for you.

Ask questions about your seizure treatment

It's important to ask questions of your doctor or other healthcare professional at your medical appointment. And feel free to pick up the phone if you have a question that needs an immediate answer. Do not stop taking your antiseizure medicine unless specifically instructed by your doctor.

Here are some questions you may want to ask your doctor:

General:

  • What treatment options are available for my seizure type(s)?
  • Is it helpful to take vitamins or follow a special diet?
  • What should I do in the event of an emergency?
  • Is it important to get a certain amount of sleep?
  • Will I be able to drive?
  • Are there any non-prescription medicines or supplements I should avoid?

About antiseizure medicines:

  • What can I expect from my antiseizure medicine now and in the future?
  • Does my antiseizure medicine make other prescription medicines less effective?
  • Will other non-prescription or prescription medicines affect my antiseizure medicine?
  • What are the side effects of my antiseizure medicine? Are alternative treatment options available?
  • Are there certain side effects that require immediate medical attention?
  • What if I miss a dose of my medicine?
  • How long will I have to take my antiseizure medicine?
  • Does my antiseizure medicine need to be stored a certain way?
  • What if I'm pregnant, or planning to become pregnant?
  • I'm taking (or considering taking) oral contraceptives (birth control pills). Will the pill affect my antiseizure medicine's ability to control my seizures? Will my antiseizure medicine affect birth control pills, making them less effective?

When to talk with the doctor about a change in antiseizure medicine

Below is a list of potential health issues that people with epilepsy may experience. Some of these problems may be a result of epilepsy itself, others may be related to antiseizure medicine, and still others may be unrelated. Talk to your doctor if you are being treated for a seizure disorder and are bothered by any of the following problems:

Physical appearance:

  • weight change (gain or loss)
  • hair loss/thinning
  • excessive hair growth
  • skin problems (such as acne or rash)
  • trouble with mouth or gums

Mental function:

  • difficulty concentrating
  • difficulty communicating
  • memory problems
  • confusion

Feelings:

  • overly active
  • anger
  • nervousness and/or agitation
  • sadness

Physical coordination:

  • unsteadiness
  • shaky hands
  • dizziness

Overall well-being:

  • upset stomach
  • tiredness
  • double or blurred vision
  • headache
  • sleepiness
  • difficulty falling asleep
  • tingling in hands or feet
  • thinning bones
  • sexual problems

Important Safety Information About LAMICTAL XR (lamotrigine) Extended-Release Tablets

LAMICTAL XR may cause a serious skin rash that may cause you to be hospitalized or to stop LAMICTAL XR; it may rarely cause death. There is no way to tell if a mild rash will develop into a more serious reaction. These serious skin reactions are more likely to happen when you begin taking LAMICTAL XR, within the first 2 to 8 weeks of treatment. But it can happen in people who have taken LAMICTAL XR for any period of time. Children between 2 to 16 years of age have a higher chance of getting this serious skin reaction while taking lamotrigine. LAMICTAL XR is not approved for use in children less than 13 years old.

The risk of getting a rash is higher if you: take LAMICTAL XR while taking valproate [Depakene* (valproic acid) or Depakote* (divalproex sodium)], take a higher starting dose of LAMICTAL XR than your healthcare provider prescribed, or increase your dose of LAMICTAL XR faster than prescribed.

LAMICTAL XR can also cause other types of allergic reactions or serious problems which may affect organs and other parts of your body like the liver or blood cells. You may or may not have a rash with these types of reactions.

Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following: a skin rash, hives, fever, swollen lymph glands, painful sores in the mouth or around your eyes, swelling of your lips or tongue, yellowing of your skin or eyes, unusual bruising or bleeding, severe fatigue or weakness, severe muscle pain or frequent infections. These symptoms may be the first signs of a serious reaction. A healthcare provider should examine you to decide if you should continue taking LAMICTAL XR.

You should not take LAMICTAL XR if you have had an allergic reaction to lamotrigine or to any of the inactive ingredients in LAMICTAL XR.

Like other antiepileptic drugs, LAMICTAL XR may cause suicidal thoughts or actions in a very small number of people, about 1 in 500. Call a healthcare provider right away if you have worsening depression, any unusual changes in mood or behavior, or thoughts or actions about suicide or self-harm, especially if they are new, worse, or worry you
(see Medication Guide).

Patients prescribed LAMICTAL have sometimes been given the wrong medicine because many medicines have names similar to LAMICTAL, so always check that you receive LAMICTAL XR.
Taking the wrong medication can cause serious health problems. When your healthcare provider gives you a prescription for LAMICTAL XR:

Common side effects include dizziness, tremor, double vision, nausea, vomiting, trouble with balance and coordination, and anxiety. Other common side effects that have been reported with another form of LAMICTAL include headache, sleepiness, blurred vision, runny nose, and rash. Tell your healthcare provider about any side effect that bothers you or does not go away. Also, tell your healthcare provider if you have any changes in your menstrual pattern, such as breakthrough bleeding, while taking LAMICTAL XR and birth control pills. These are not all the possible side effects of LAMICTAL XR. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

*Depakene and Depakote are registered trademarks of Abbott Laboratories.

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