There have been reports where patients developed serious rashes within 8 weeks of starting Lamotrigine and were hospitalized. Sometimes these rashes turn into severe skin infections and may endanger the patient’s life. Therefore, it is advised that if a patient develops rashes after starting Lamotrigine, it should be stopped and should not be restarted. Use of Lamotrigine is stopped even if the rashes are mild and non-serious. It is because of this that your doctor changed the medicine.

Though it varies from person to person, your symptoms may take about 6-8 weeks to improve.

You may experience quick and uncontrollable movements of your eye, clumsiness, and lack of coordination. High doses of Lamotrigine may cause problems with your balance, changes in heartbeat rhythm, loss of consciousness, fits (convulsions) or coma. Even if there are no signs of discomfort, seek immediate medical attention of a doctor or nearby hospital.

Studies on the human population do not show any effects of Lamotrigine on pregnant women or her fetus. However, it is advisable that you inform your doctor immediately if you become pregnant or are planning to get pregnant while taking Lamotrigine. In case therapy with Lamotrigine is considered during pregnancy, your doctor may prescribe the lowest effective dose.

No, weight gain is not a side effect of Lamotrigine. However, it may decrease your weight.

Serious side effects with the use of Lamotrigine occur in very few people. The side effects may include serious rash (Steven Johnson syndrome), severe inflammation of the body (hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis), severe allergic reaction, decrease in platelets or red blood cells or white blood cells and suicidal thoughts or actions. If you notice any such side effects, consult your doctor immediately. Your doctor may consider discontinuing Lamotrigine.

Aggression, confusion and irritability are common psychiatric side effects which may be caused by the use of Lamotrigine.

Lamotrigine can be taken with or without food. Continue taking Lamotrigine in the dose and duration advised by the doctor to get maximum benefits of Lamotrigine.

It is important that you inform your doctor if you are already on any other antiepileptic medicines. The reason being, taking Lamotrigine with some antiepileptics (like valproate and carbamazepine) may increase the chances of developing side effects. Also, the dose of Lamotrigine may need adjustment if taken with antiepileptic medicines such as oxcarbazepine, felbamate, gabapentin, levetiracetam, pregabalin, topiramate or zonisamide.

Yes, you can take Lamotrigine if you have depression symptoms. In fact, Lamotrigine is used in preventing depression. But, do not self medicate. Do not start or stop taking Lamotrigine on your own, unless otherwise advised by the doctor.