Lamictal Indications, Side Effects, and Precautions

Lamictal Indications, Side Effects, and Precautions Bipolar Disorder Treatment Medications Print How Lamictal (Lamotrigine) Works to Treat Bipolar and Seizure Disorders By Marcia Purse Marcia Purse is a mental health writer and bipolar disorder advocate who brings strong research skills and personal experiences to her writing. Learn about our editorial policy Marcia Purse Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on August 05, 2016 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on November 25, 2019 Bipolar Disorder Overview Symptoms & Diagnosis Causes Treatment Living With In Children Your Rights Verywell / Emily Roberts In This Article Table of Contents Expand How It Works Side Effects Precautions View All Lamictal (lamotrigine), a mood stabilizer and anticonvulsant, is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of any anxiety disorders, though it is approved to treat bipolar disorder and seizure disorders. When Lamictal went through clinical trials, anxiety as a side effect was reported by 4 percent of participants, but 3 percent of the control group also reported anxiety, so this would be considered a rare side effect.?? Even though treatment of anxiety isnt an approved use for Lamictal, some doctors do prescribe it to patients who have conditions such as generalized anxiety disorder and social anxiety disorder, among others. How Lamictal Works Lamictal was one of the first medications, after lithium, to be approved by the FDA for use in treating bipolar disorder.?? Typically used to treat seizure disorders such as epilepsy, Lamictal works by decreasing abnormal activity in the brain and seems to be particularly effective for the depressive episodes of bipolar disorder, as well as comorbid anxiety.?? It is also sometimes used to treat other mood disorders that are not treatable with other medications, including borderline personality disorder, schizoaffective disorder, depression and depersonalization  disorder. Though Lamictal showed potential benefit in a small study of people who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), mood stabilizers as a whole are considered uncertain to treat PTSD, which is a trauma-related disorder. Common Side Effects These are the most common side effects of Lamictal: Weight lossDizzinessDrowsinessDiarrheaConstipationLoss of balanceEye movement that you cant controlTrouble speakingMissed or painful menstrual periodsDouble visionConcentration problemsAppetite lossHair loss (rare, but occurs in some individuals)?? These side effects may go away in time, but if they dont or theyre bothersome, contact your doctor. Serious Side Effects Call your doctor right away if you experience any of these serious side effects while taking Lamictal: Chest painStiff neckPassing outAbnormal seizure activitySwelling of your hands, feet, arms, or legsHeadacheLight sensitivity?? Precautions Regarding Lamictal Discuss your health history in detail with your doctor before beginning Lamictal. Potential issues to be aware of include: An allergy to lamotrigine or any other ingredients found in Lamictal.Lamictal can interact with other medications, whether theyre over-the-counter, prescription, or simple vitamins and supplements. Be sure to tell your doctor everything you are taking so your doses can be adjusted or monitored if necessary.If you become pregnant while using Lamictal, let your doctor know right away.??Drinking alcohol can add to the drowsiness you may already feel from Lamictal.Because of its tendency to make you feel drowsy, especially until you get used to it, dont drive or operate heavy machinery until you have been on Lamictal for a while and are sure of how it affects you.Tell your doctor if you have ever had an autoimmune disease like lupus, a blood disorder, or a kidney or liver disease.