Though effective for some people, Lamictal treatment can cause a variety of side effects, ranging from mild to severe to extreme, so it’s important to understand this seizure medicine before taking it. If you have questions, make sure to discuss them with the doctor prescribing the medication.
Read on to learn more about the various adverse reactions and side effects of Lamictal.
Common Side Effects of LamictalYou should always be aware of the side effects of Lamictal — or any drug you’re starting.Lamictal prescription onlineGet an evaluation and prescription for Lamictal from a psychiatric provider licensed in your state.Get startedLamictal is a fast-acting drug used as a mood stabilizer — it peaks in the body within around 1.5 to almost 5 hours after taking it. Your doctor will likely start you on a lower dose and gradually increase the dosage every few days or weeks until you see optimal results.For some, finding the proper dosage can take as long as 6 weeks, at which point they may begin to feel positive results. When taking Lamictal for bipolar depression, you need to be patient, as you’ll probably need to take this drug for 6 months to preventsymptoms of bipolardepression from returning. If the medication works well, you might take it even longer.Lamictal’s effectiveness can last longer than 24 hours, so it’s generally used as a once-per-day dose. Because it can cause sleepiness in some people, your doctor might recommend a divided dose of Lamictal daily to reduce the risk of drowsiness.Other commonside effects of Lamictalcan include:Nausea or vomitingDrowsinessChanges in blurred or double visionChanges in urination outputIncreased sweatingTightness in the chestFeeling more clumsy or uncoordinated than normalIrregular heartbeatPain in the jawChange in breathing patternFeeling unsteadyDiscomfort in arms, back or neckDilated neck veinsRashSwelling in the face, lower legs or feet, and fingersWeight gain*Note this list is not all inclusive
Common Side Effects of Lamictal
You should always be aware of the side effects of Lamictal — or any drug you’re starting.
Lamictal prescription onlineGet an evaluation and prescription for Lamictal from a psychiatric provider licensed in your state.Get started
Lamictal prescription onlineGet an evaluation and prescription for Lamictal from a psychiatric provider licensed in your state.
Lamictal prescription online
Get an evaluation and prescription for Lamictal from a psychiatric provider licensed in your state.
Lamictal is a fast-acting drug used as a mood stabilizer — it peaks in the body within around 1.5 to almost 5 hours after taking it. Your doctor will likely start you on a lower dose and gradually increase the dosage every few days or weeks until you see optimal results.
For some, finding the proper dosage can take as long as 6 weeks, at which point they may begin to feel positive results. When taking Lamictal for bipolar depression, you need to be patient, as you’ll probably need to take this drug for 6 months to preventsymptoms of bipolardepression from returning. If the medication works well, you might take it even longer.
Lamictal’s effectiveness can last longer than 24 hours, so it’s generally used as a once-per-day dose. Because it can cause sleepiness in some people, your doctor might recommend a divided dose of Lamictal daily to reduce the risk of drowsiness.
Other commonside effects of Lamictalcan include:
*Note this list is not all inclusive
Less Common Side Effects of LamictalThere are also a few less common side effects of Lamictal that you should be aware of. For example, some people who start taking Lamictal experience:Chest painAnxietyRolling, uncontrollable, continuous eye movementConfusionIncreased seizuresDepressionIrritabilityInfection*Note this list is not all inclusiveThough not as common, it’s still important to tell your doctor if you have any of the side effects of Lamictal listed above. Only they can determine if a different dosage or newbipolar disorder medicationmight improve your symptoms with fewer side effects and adverse reactions.
Less Common Side Effects of Lamictal
There are also a few less common side effects of Lamictal that you should be aware of. For example, some people who start taking Lamictal experience:
Though not as common, it’s still important to tell your doctor if you have any of the side effects of Lamictal listed above. Only they can determine if a different dosage or newbipolar disorder medicationmight improve your symptoms with fewer side effects and adverse reactions.
Serious Side Effects of Lamictal
Occasionally, some — though not many — people will have Lamictal (lamotrigine) side effects that are more serious. While rare, it’s important to know about the following potential side effects, as some can be life-threatening.
Call your doctor or 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately if you experience the following.
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) & Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN)
Research foundthat these skin syndromes are the result of the body being unable to detoxify the drugs it sees as foreign. In response, cytotoxic T cells attack the mucosa/epidermis layer of the skin.
Aseptic meningitis
The Food and Drug Association (FDA)notes thatwhile Lamictal-associated aseptic meningitis isn’t common, itisa serious potential side effect that causes symptoms like fever, headache, chills, stiff neck, abnormal sensitivity to light, confusion, and more. Symptoms often occur around 16 days after starting the drug and can cause hospitalization.
Angioedema
Angioedema, or a hive-like swelling beneath the skin, is anoted skin reactionthat an overdose of Lamictal might cause. This rare skin reaction can lead to anaphylaxis in some cases, causing severe swelling throughout the airways and lungs.
Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH)
Instudies, hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) results from an adverse reaction to Lamictal. HLH is a very serious, almost always fatal, hyper-inflammatory condition that causes multiorgan failure. In the most severe cases, it can cause death.
If you have any of the following symptoms after taking Lamictal, you should get medical attention as soon as possible:
Suicidal thoughts or actions
According toresearch, Lamictal and other antiepileptic drugs can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or actions. If you’re experiencing increased suicidal thinking, it’s essential that you immediately reach out to your doctor or go to the nearest medical facility.
Severe allergic reaction
Severe allergic reactions (also known as anaphylaxis) are associated with Lamictal and can cause:
“In case of a fever, muscle stiffness, sore throat, dizziness, or fatigue, inform your doctor immediately.”
Multiorgan hypersensitivity reactions
“In case of a rash, inform your doctor urgently, and if possible, get it checked as soon as possible.”
How Long Do Lamictal Side Effects Last?For the majority of people who take Lamictal, side effects are very mild and resolve within a few days to a few weeks with continued Lamictal treatment. Because Lamictal dosage needs to be gradually increased to prevent side effects, the drug can take about 6 weeks forLamictal to fully work.“Common side effects of nausea, headache, and upset stomach subside after a few days.”–Talkspace psychiatrist Dr. Muhammad Munir, MD
How Long Do Lamictal Side Effects Last?
For the majority of people who take Lamictal, side effects are very mild and resolve within a few days to a few weeks with continued Lamictal treatment. Because Lamictal dosage needs to be gradually increased to prevent side effects, the drug can take about 6 weeks forLamictal to fully work.
“Common side effects of nausea, headache, and upset stomach subside after a few days.”
How to Manage Lamictal Side EffectsMost Lamictal side effects, especially those that are mild, don’t require any medical attention and will go away as you adjust to taking the medication. If they’re bothering you, though, try the following to manage side effects:Try taking it with food if Lamictal upsets your stomachTake exactly as prescribedStay hydratedEat healthyAvoid alcohol and marijuanaDo not suddenly stop taking this medicationTalk to your doctor if side effects continue or begin to outweigh the benefits.“Do not stop the medication cold turkey, as that can be very dangerous, depending on the dose of the medicine.”–Talkspace psychiatrist Dr. Muhammad Munir, MD
How to Manage Lamictal Side Effects
Most Lamictal side effects, especially those that are mild, don’t require any medical attention and will go away as you adjust to taking the medication. If they’re bothering you, though, try the following to manage side effects:
Talk to your doctor if side effects continue or begin to outweigh the benefits.
“Do not stop the medication cold turkey, as that can be very dangerous, depending on the dose of the medicine.”
See If Lamictal Is Right for You with TalkspaceLamictal can be effective in stabilizing mood swings that are associated with bipolar disorder. Only you and your doctor can decide if aLamictal prescriptionis right for you and your symptoms.If you’re considering starting a new medication to treat bipolar disorder, Talkspace can be your lifeline. Get paired with a licensed psychiatrist today to discuss your options for treating bipolar or any mental health condition via medication andtherapy for bipolar disorderso you can get back to living.
See If Lamictal Is Right for You with Talkspace
Lamictal can be effective in stabilizing mood swings that are associated with bipolar disorder. Only you and your doctor can decide if aLamictal prescriptionis right for you and your symptoms.
If you’re considering starting a new medication to treat bipolar disorder, Talkspace can be your lifeline. Get paired with a licensed psychiatrist today to discuss your options for treating bipolar or any mental health condition via medication andtherapy for bipolar disorderso you can get back to living.
Sources:
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