Lamictal Side Effects

Lamictal is classified as an anticonvulsant drug. It also helps regulate mood and increase the time between manic and depressive episodes in patients with bipolar disorder. Like many drugs, it carries a small risk of some serious and potentially fatal side effects. However, with proper patient education and health care monitoring the chances of a serious or permanent side effect are rare.

Keep in mind that pretty much all medications carry the risk of some scary side effects. The odds of these effects occurring in you are low, but it's good to be informed before you take a medication. This list of side effects isn't meant to discourage or encourage anyone from using Lamictal or other lamotrigine containing drugs. It is merely a reference about the drug and side effects.

According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine (USNLM), the most recent warning added to the package insert and healthcare provider information about Lamictal is about the potential of patients developing asceptic meningitis. Asceptic meningitis is similar to bacterial meningitis, but bacteria do not grow in the fluid around the brain and spinal cord.

Patients who experience any of these symptoms should consult with their physician to be tested for aseptic meningitis: stiff neck, headaches, photosensitivity (abnormal sensitivity to light), nausea, chills, fever, sleepiness, confusion, sore throat, generalized pain in the body, rash, nausea and vomiting.

The other main serious side effect of Lamictal is a potentially fatal skin rash. According to the USNLM, Lamictal may cause a rash that, "...may need to be treated in a hospital or cause permanent disability or death...Serious rashes usually develop during the first 2 to 8 weeks of treatment..but can develop at any time during treatment."

The USNLM lists the symptoms and effects of the rash to watch for as: rash; fever; swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs; hoarseness; difficulty breathing or swallowing; nausea; extreme tiredness; unusual bruising or bleeding; lack of energy; loss of appetite; pain in the upper right part of the stomach; yellowing of the skin or eyes; pale skin; headache; dizziness; fast heartbeat; weakness; shortness of breath; sore throat, fever, chills, dark red or cola-colored urine; muscle weakness or aching; or painful sores in your mouth or around your eyes. If you experience one or more of these symptoms contact your doctor, as earlier detection lessens the likelihood of permanent damage.

Lamictal was found to cause a small percentage of patients ages five and older to experience suicidal thoughts and/or behaviors as soon as a week after treatment began. Close monitoring by health care professionals and friends and loved ones can be used to quickly identify any such mood changes. These thoughts and tendencies should be reported to the doctor immediately.

Less severe side effects that may be experienced include:

loss of balance or coordination, double vision; blurred vision; crossed eyes; difficulty thinking, concentrating or speaking; drowsiness; dizziness; vomiting; diarrhea; constipation; heartburn; problems with ears or teeth; irritability; nervousness; mood changes; difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep; stomach, back, or joint pain; runny nose and cough; missed or painful menstrual periods; swelling, itching, or irritation of the vagina; or dry mouth.

Some of these symptoms overlap with those of asceptic meningitis and the serious rash that Lamictal may cause, so let your doctor know if any of these symptoms persist for more than a few days.

Some people should not take Lamictal. Lamictal is not recommended for women who are pregnant, nursing, or who can potentially become pregnant. People who take valproic acid (Depakene) or divalproex (Depakote) may be at an increased risk for developing a serious rash if they take Lamictal as well. Some people who have heart, kidney, liver, or blood disorders may not be able to take Lamictal.

The National Institutes of Health recommends contacting the doctor immediately if the patient develops any of these symptoms: seizures that happen more often, last longer, or are different than the patient's usual seizures; chest pain; swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs; or depression.

Some of the milder side effects may lessen or go away as your body adjusts to the medication. Lamictal works well for many people by lowering the number and severity of seizures. It also helps some people have fewer manic and depressive episodes. Talk with your doctor about any concerns you have about potential side effects and how Lamictal compares to other medications for your condition.

Sources:

Asceptic Meningitis, http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000614.htm

Lamotrigine, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0000957