Lamotrigine

Generally, the common side effects tend to occur at the beginning of treatment. Such side effects may include:

• Drowsiness, headache, dizziness, fatigue, insomnia. Be careful when you are giving your child over-the-counter medicines. Medicines for cold and allergy may add on to the drowsiness. Be sure to supervise your child if he/she is involved in activities such as cycling or swimming.
• Blurred or double vision or abnormal eye movements
• Unusual behavioral changes such as anxiety, irritability
• Nausea, vomiting, indigestion and abdominal pain, diarrhea or constipation, decreased appetite. If the medication upsets the stomach, take it with food but do not take it with carbonated drinks.
• Tremor, joint pain, neck pain, numbness at hands and feet (“pin-prick sensation”)
• Painful menstruation

Inform your doctor if any of the above side effects lasts for more than a few days or if they become serious or bothersome.

 

Rare but serious effects may sometimes occur. Contact your doctor as soon as possible if you notice any of the following:

• Skin rash
• Prolonged fever, sore throat, mouth sores
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes
• Any unusual bleeding or bruises

Inform your doctor if you notice any other unusual symptoms in your child. Always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist if your child has any problems or difficulties during or after taking lamotrigine.

Lamotrigine is usually taken 1 or 2 times a day. The doctor may start your child on a low dose and then slowly increase the dose. Follow the instructions on the label carefully and ask your pharmacist or doctor if you are unsure.

• Do not take this medication more often than directed and do not stop unless instructed by your doctor. Stopping this medicine too rapidly can increase the risk of seizure or fits.
• Do not change brands or dosage forms without informing your doctor.
• Lamotrigine can be taken with or without food.

Tablets

• Swallow tablets whole with a glass of water.

Dispersible tablets:

• Dispersible tablets can be chewed, swallowed whole or dispersed in water. To disperse the tablet, cover the tablet with one teaspoon of water, allow to dissolve and the entire amount should be taken.

• Give your child the dose as soon as you remember and then continue to take it as you normally give. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and give the next dose at the usual time.
• Do not double or increase the dose.
• If your child has missed more than two doses or you are not sure of what to do, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
• If your child has less than two weeks supply of medication, please ensure that you have made an appointment with your child’s neurologist or made arrangements to collect more medication.

Keep away from children;#Keep in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight;#

Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you want to give any other medicines, supplements or herbal products to your child.

If your child sees another doctor, inform him that your child is taking lamotrigine before he prescribes any other medications.