Lamictal XR

Lamictal XR is an anti-epileptic medication, also known as an anticonvulsant.

Lamictal XR is used by itself or with other medications to treat epileptic seizures in adults and children. This medicine is also used to delay mood episodes in adults with bipolar disorder (manic depression).

Immediate-release Lamictal XR can be given to children as young as 2 years old when used as part of a combination of seizure medications. However, this form should not be used alone in a child or teenager who is younger than 16 years old.

Extended-release Lamictal XR is for use only in adults and children who are at least 13 years old.

Lamictal XR may also be used for other purposes not mentioned in this medication guide.

Follow all instructions on your prescription label and read any medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may change your dose from time to time. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Taking too much Lamictal XR at the beginning of treatment can increase your risk of a severe, life-threatening skin rash.

You may need regular blood tests to help your doctor ensure you are on the right dose.

Extended-release and immediate-release Lamictal XR may be used for different conditions. Always check your refills to ensure you have received the correct size, color, and shape of tablet. Avoid medication errors by using only the form and strength your doctor prescribes.

If you switch to Lamictal XR from another seizure medicine, carefully follow your doctor's directions about when and how much to take.

Swallow the tablet whole and do not crush, chew, or break it.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with the orally disintegrating or dispersible tablets. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Do not stop using Lamictal XR suddenly, even if you feel fine. Stopping suddenly may lead to more seizures. Follow your doctor's instructions about gradually reducing your dose.

In case of emergency, wear or carry medical identification to inform others that you take seizure medication.

Lamictal XR may affect a drug-screening urine test, leading to false results. Inform the laboratory staff that you are using this medicine.

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture.

Lamictal XR 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 help if you have a skin rash, hives, blistering, peeling, or sores in your mouth or around your eyes.

Call your doctor right away if you notice 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 may have thoughts about suicide while taking Lamictal XR. Be aware of changes in your mood or symptoms. Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor.

You should not take Lamictal XR if you are allergic to it.

Lamictal XR 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 XR.

Some people have thoughts about suicide while taking Lamictal XR. 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 Lamictal XR less effective, resulting in increased seizures. Tell your doctor if you start or stop using birth control pills. Your medicine dose may need to be changed.

It may not be safe to breastfeed while using Lamictal XR. Ask your doctor about any risk.

Get emergency medical help if you notice signs of an allergic reaction (such as hives, difficulty breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (including fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, or a red or purple skin rash that blisters and peels).

If you stop taking Lamictal XR due to a serious skin rash, you may not be able to take it again in the future.

Let your doctor know about any new or worsening symptoms, such as mood or behavior changes, depression, anxiety, or feelings of agitation, hostility, restlessness, hyperactivity (mentally or physically), or thoughts about suicide or self-harm.

Lamictal XR can cause serious side effects. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience:

• fast, slow, or pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest;
• chest pain, shortness of breath;
• fever, swollen glands, weakness, severe muscle pain;
• any skin rash, especially if it blisters or peels;
• painful sores in your mouth or around your eyes;
• headache, neck stiffness, increased sensitivity to light, nausea, vomiting, confusion, drowsiness;
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
• pale skin, cold hands and feet, easy bruising, unusual bleeding.

Common side effects of Lamictal XR may include:

• headache, dizziness;
• blurred vision, double vision;
• tremor, loss of coordination;
• dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea;
• fever, sore throat, runny nose;
• drowsiness, feeling tired;
• back pain; or
• sleep problems (insomnia).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Contact your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses at the same time.

Get your prescription refilled before you completely run out of medicine.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

• Overdose symptoms may include blurred vision, problems with coordination, increased seizures, feeling light-headed, or fainting.

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how Lamictal XR will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications together. Some drugs can change the levels of other drugs in your blood, which may lead to more side effects or reduce how well the medications work.

Other drugs may affect Lamictal XR, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you begin or stop using.