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Long-Term Bipolar Lamictal Treatment

Lamictal (lamotrigine) is a mood-stabilizing medication used for long term treatment of bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is a mental illness characterized by extended periods of elevated mood and depressed mood.

  1. Dosages & Forms

    • Lamictal is available in standard tablets in 25mg, 100mg, 150mg and 200mg dosages and orally disintegrating tablets in 25mg, 50mg, 100mg and 200mg dosages.

    Population

    • Lamictal is FDA approved for patients with bipolar disorder who are 18 years of age or older. It is not FDA approved for short-term treatment of acute mood episodes or for use in children who have bipolar disorder.

    Interactions

    • Valproate may more than double Lamictal levels in the body, so additional monitoring and possible adjustment of dosage is necessary. Carbamazepine, rifampin, estrogen-containing contraceptives, phenytoin, primidone and phenobarbitol may decrease levels of Lamictal in the body, so an increase in dosage may be necessary.

    Side Effects

    • Common side effects of Lamictal include headache, nausea, insomnia, fatigue, drowsiness, back pain, rash and gastrointestinal disturbances.

    Other Medications

    • Lithium, antiseizure medications (i.e. Depakote, Trileptal) and antipsychotics (i.e. Abilify, Seroquel) may be used with or without Lamictal for treating symptoms of bipolar disorder. Other medications, such as antidepressants or anxiolytics, may be used for treating specific symptoms of bipolar disorder, including depression, anxiety and insomnia.

    Warning

    • Serious skin rashes may result from taking Lamictal. If a rash develops, discontinue Lamictal immediately and seek medical attention.

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