Lamotrigine for Bipolar: By preventing and managing seizures, the drug motrigine treats epilepsy. It can also be used to cure bipolar illness. It functions by soothing overly sensitive nerves in your body. Subvenite and Lamictal are two popular brand names for this drug.
In this post, we’ll explore what Lamotrigine is, how they function, how to take it, and and possible side effects in the to humans.
What Is Lamotrigine for Bipolar Drug?
The anti-epileptic medication LAMOTRIGINE (la MOE tri jeen) helps manage and prevent seizures. It can also be utilized to treat bipolar illness. By soothing overactive nerves in your body, it functions.
If you have any queries about the possible uses of this medication, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
Prior to Taking This Drug, What Should I Say to My Care Team?
They must determine if you have any of these ailments:
- Cardiac illness
- The history of an erratic heartbeat
- Problems with the immune system
- Kidney ailments
- Disease of the liver
- A low blood level of folic acid
- Lupus
- a mental illness
- a past suicide attempt by you or a family member; suicidal ideations, plans, or actions
- An allergic response or unusual reaction to preservatives, dyes, foods, other medicines, lamotrigine, or other antiseizure drugs
- either expecting or attempting to conceive
- Breastfeeding
What Is the Best Way to Take This Medication?
Take this medication by mouth with a glass of water. Comply with the instructions on the prescription label. Don’t chew on these pills. Take this medicine with food or milk if it makes your stomach upset. Keep your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more frequently than prescribed.
You will receive a unique MedGuide from the pharmacist with every new prescription and refill. Make sure to read this information thoroughly every time.
Discuss the use of this drug in children with your treatment team. Although this medicine can be prescribed for specific ailments to children as young as 2 years old, there are certain restrictions.
Call a poison control center or go to an emergency room right away if you believe you’ve taken too much of this medication.
What Happens if I Forget a Dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. Only take your next dose if it’s almost time for it. Avoid taking too much or excessive amounts.
With What May This Drug Interact?
- Atazanavir
- oral contraceptives
- Some drugs for an erratic heartbeat
- Some seizure drugs, such as valproic acid, phenytoin, phenobarbital, carbamazepine, and primidone, are effective.
- lopinavir
- Rifampin
- Ritonavir
Not all potential interactions may be covered by this list. Provide your healthcare professional with a list of any medications, herbs, over-the-counter medications, or nutritional supplements that you take. Additionally, let them know if you use alcohol, tobacco, or other illegal substances. Some things could react negatively with your medication.
What Should I Look out For when Taking This Medicine?
For routine progress evaluations, see your care staff. Wear a Medic Alert bracelet or necklace if you use this medicine for seizures. Bring an ID card with details about your health, prescriptions, and care team.
This drug must be administered strictly as prescribed. The dosage will need to be gradually increased at the beginning of therapy. Your dosage may not stabilize for weeks or months. If you have any new types of seizures or if your seizures worsen, you should get in touch with your care team. Unless directed by your care team, do not discontinue using this drug. Your seizures may become more frequent or severe if you abruptly quit taking your medication.
This drug might have severe side effects on the skin. It might take weeks or months after beginning the treatment for them to occur. If you have a rash, fever, or flu-like symptoms, call your care team right away. The rash may begin as red or purple, then develop into blisters or skin peeling. Alternatively, you may have a red rash accompanied by edema in your face, lips, or lymph nodes in your neck or armpit.
You might experience blurred vision, vertigo, or weariness. Until you know how this drug impacts you, avoid operating any equipment, driving, or engaging in activities that need mental alertness. Avoid sitting or standing up suddenly to prevent fainting or dizziness episodes, particularly if you are an elderly patient. Alcohol may make you feel more drowsy and dizzy. Stay away from alcoholic beverages.
It’s crucial to let your healthcare team know if you experience any mood swings while using this medicine to treat bipolar illness. If your condition worsens, you experience mental depression, extreme hyperactivity or mania, insomnia, suicidal ideation, or suicidal behavior, you should seek assistance from your care team immediately.
You should also report these behavioral changes right away if you are caring for someone who is using this medicine to treat bipolar disorder. Using this drug may raise the possibility of having suicidal thoughts or behaviors. While on this medication, pay particular attention to your reactions.
You could experience a dry mouth. Drinking lots of water and chewing sugar-free gum or hard candy may be beneficial. If the issue persists or is serious, get in touch with your care team.
By calling 1-888-233-2334, women who get pregnant while taking this medicine can sign up for the North American Antiepileptic Drug Pregnancy Registry. This registry gathers data on the safety of using antiepileptic drugs during pregnancy.
This medicine may lower folic acid levels. While using this drug, it is important to ensure that you are consuming enough folate. Talk to your care team about the foods you consume and the vitamins you take.
After Taking This Drug, What Side Effects Might I Experience?
Adverse effects that you should immediately notify your care team about:
- Skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat are all symptoms of an allergic response.
- Changes in eyesight
- fever, neck pain or stiffness, light sensitivity, headache, nausea, vomiting, disorientation
- Changes in the heart rate, such as an accelerated or erratic heartbeat, lightheadedness or dizziness, chest discomfort, and shortness of breath.
- Infection, which might include fever, chills, a cough, or a sore throat
- Liver damage—right upper stomach discomfort, diminished appetite, nausea, pale stools, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes, and extreme weariness or fatigue
- Low red blood cell count, which causes symptoms like extreme weariness or exhaustion, lightheadedness, headaches, and difficulty breathing.
- fever, rash, and enlarged lymph nodes
- Any redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, including the lining of the mouth.
- Thoughts of suicide or self-harm, a deteriorating attitude, or symptoms of depression
- unusual bruising or hemorrhage
Side effects that, in general, do not need medical intervention (but notify your care team if they persist or are bothersome):
- Diarrhea
- Lightheadedness
- lethargy
- Headache
- Nausea
- Pain in the stomach
- shaking or tremors
The potential adverse effects may not be covered by this list. For medical guidance regarding side effects, contact your physician. Call the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report any adverse effects.
Where Should I Store My Medication?
Store at 25°C (77°F) out of the reach of kids and dogs, and keep out of the light. After the expiration date, dispose of any unused medication.
In conclusion, take any outdated or unneeded drugs to a medication take-back program to dispose of them. To locate a program, contact your pharmacy or law enforcement agency.
Check the label or packaging insert to see whether the medicine should be discarded in the trash or flushed down the toilet if you are unable to return it. Ask your care team if you are unclear. Empty the contents of the container out of the medicine if it’s okay to throw it away.
Combine the medicine with coffee grounds, dirt, cat litter, or other undesired material. Place the mixture in a bag or container and seal it. Throw it away.
