Lamictal - an overview
Lamictal, active ingredient lamotrigine, is a medicine that is prescribed for the treatment of conditions that include:
Bipolar disorder - The FDA has approved Lamictal to stabilize the mood and treat symptoms of bipolar disorder
Epilepsy - The FDA has approved Lamictal to reduce seizures in those that have epilepsy
The maker
GlaxoSmithKline is the maker of Lamictal.
How it works
Epilepsy is a brain disorder that causes problems in the way the electrical system of the brain works. These changes are what causes seizures to occur. It isn't clear what Lamictal does to treat epilepsy, but studies have found that the medicine affects the brain's sodium channels and help to prevent abnormal activity from getting to other brain parts. Keeping the activity localized is beneficial in controlling seizures.
It's also not clear as to how Lamictal is effective at treating bipolar disorder.
Is it effective?
There have been many studies to determine the effectiveness and safety of this medication when prescribed to treat both epilepsy and bipolar disorder.
Bipolar Disorder Uses
Some studies have been done on this medicine as a treatment for bipolar disorder. These studies found that those who took the medication went longer and had no mania or depression episodes, as compared to those that were not taking it.
Epilepsy Uses
Studies have found that Lamictal is an effective treatment for more than one kind of seizure. The medicine was found to be an effective treatment when used in ways that include:
- Used on its own to help adults that have partial seizures who were only taking one epilepsy medicine before.
- Used in conjunction with other types of seizure medicines to reduce partial seizures in children two and older and adults.
- Used in conjunction with other medications for seizures caused from Lennox-Gastaut syndrome in children three and older and adults.
- Used in conjunction with other medications for seizures to help grand mal seizures in children two and older and adults.
Secondary Effects
All medications have the potential for secondary effects. Not everyone taking this medication will notice secondary effects. Most people do well when taking this medicine and if you do notice secondary effects, they will likely be mild and not need to be treated. Other more serious secondary effects are not as common.
Commonly reported secondary effects may include:
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Problems with coordination
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Vomiting
- Blurred or double vision