Side effects of lamotrigine

Lamotrigine

Lamotrigine is a drug which is given to the patients with epilepsy or bipolar disorder. This medication helps control seizures caused by epilepsy and manic or depressive stages. Epilepsy is usually treated with other medications, besides Lamotrigine.

Side Effects

The most common side effects of Lamotrigine are nausea, vomiting, pain in the stomach, constipation diarrhea and loss of weight. You may also have nasal congestion, headache, problems with vision and sleeping disorders. Some women may notice that menstrual periods have become more painful. Other common side effects include weakness, fatigue, dizziness, faintness, and reduced sense of coordination. If you experience these side effects in a mild form and if they go away on their own after your body adjusted to Lamotrigine, you can continue taking this medication. However, if these side effects turn out to be severe or persistent, contact your doctor so the dose or the treatment could be changed.

Serious Side Effects

Serious side effects of Lamotrigine, which require prompt medical attention, include pain in the chest, severe skin disorders such as blistering or peeling, pain in the stomach, pain in the muscles, swelling of the lymph glands and swelling of the feet or hands. You may also experience urination problems or side effects which resemble to flu symptoms, such as fever, chills, weakness and sore throat. Sometimes your symptoms may worsen, so you will have more severe and frequent seizures, and you may notice changes in mood and behavior, such as anxiety, panic attacks or depression. Other serious side effects include vaginal discharge, irregular pulse, sores in the mouth, tremors and jaundice.

Overdose and Allergic Reaction

If you have taken too much of Lamotrigine, contact your doctor as soon as possible because an overdose can be life-threatening. You may notice that your pulse is weakening and that you lost the sense of coordination. The severity of the seizures may be increased, and you might faint or even fall into a coma. Allergic reactions to Lamotrigine include swelling of the lips, face or tongue, tightness in the chest, breathing difficulties and irritation and itchiness of the skin.

Precautions

Since Lamotrigine can cause drowsiness and dizziness, you must be careful when you drive or handle hazardous equipment. Your doctor should be informed about any other health problems that you have, especially if you have problems with kidneys or liver, or if you suffer from any heart disease. Also inform your doctor if you take any other medications. Pregnant women and mothers who are breastfeeding should not use Lamotrigine because it may cause damage to the baby.