lamotrigine
Lamotrigine extended-release (long-acting) tablets are used with other medications to treat certain types of seizures in patients who have epilepsy. All types of lamotrigine tablets (tablets, orally disintegrating tablets, and chewable tablets) other than the extended-release tablets are used alone or with other medications to treat seizures in people who have epilepsy or Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (a disorder that causes seizures and often causes developmental delays). All types of lamotrigine tablets other than the extended-release tablets are also used to increase the time between episodes of depression, mania (frenzied or abnormally excited mood), and other abnormal moods in patients with bipolar I disorder (manic-depressive disorder; a disease that causes episodes of depression, episodes of mania, and other abnormal moods). Lamotrigine has not been shown to be effective when people experience the actual episodes of depression or mania, so other medications must be used to help people recover from these episodes. Lamotrigine is in a class of medications called anticonvulsants. It works by decreasing abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
Full drug information on MedlinePlus →This is general information, not medical advice. Pregnancy and breastfeeding decisions should always be made with your healthcare provider.
Can taking lamotrigine affect fertility or make it harder to get pregnant?
One study suggested that lamotrigine might make it harder to get pregnant. In addition, having a seizure disorder and the long-term use of seizure medications may be associated with irregular periods and hormonal disorders that could contribute to infertility. Anyone with concerns about fertility while taking lamotrigine should discuss them with their healthcare provider.
Does taking lamotrigine increase the risk of miscarriage?
Miscarriage can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons. Available studies have not found that lamotrigine is associated with a higher chance of miscarriage. Individual questions or concerns should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
Does taking lamotrigine increase the risk of birth defects?
Every pregnancy starts with a 3–5% background chance of a birth defect. One study suggested a less than 1% increase in oral clefts (cleft lip and/or palate) with first-trimester lamotrigine use, but this finding was not confirmed by other studies, and several studies involving thousands of pregnancies have not found an increased chance of birth defects. People taking lamotrigine should discuss their individual situation with their healthcare provider.
Can taking lamotrigine during pregnancy cause other pregnancy-related complications?
According to the available information, lamotrigine use in pregnancy has not been associated with an increased chance of other pregnancy complications such as preterm delivery (birth before week 37) or poor fetal growth (small size, low birth weight, or smaller head measurement). Any specific concerns should be reviewed with a healthcare provider.
Can taking lamotrigine during pregnancy affect the child's brain development, learning, or behavior?
Several studies have looked at the development of babies and children exposed to lamotrigine during pregnancy. Most of these studies did not find differences in behavior or learning between children exposed to lamotrigine and those who were not. Families with specific questions about a child's development should discuss them with their healthcare provider.
Is it safe to breastfeed while taking lamotrigine?
Lamotrigine passes into breast milk, though the amount is usually much lower than a dose given directly to a baby to treat seizures, and most exposed infants are not expected to have side effects. There have been case reports of breastfed infants with breathing problems and anemia, and babies can be watched for possible side effects such as rash, trouble breathing, sleepiness, or poor sucking—if symptoms develop, especially a rash, contact the healthcare provider right away. Decisions about breastfeeding while taking lamotrigine should be made together with the healthcare provider.
Source: National Library of Medicine
lamotrigine