Dominic Stone
Lamictal (lamotrigine) is a brand-name drug used to treat bipolar disorder and epilepsy. It is also used to treat seizures in adults and children over 2 years old. Like all medicines, Lamictal can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Some of the common side effects of Lamictal include weight gain or weight loss, skin rash, blurred vision, double vision, clumsiness, dizziness, drowsiness, and constipation. In rare cases, Lamictal may also cause muscle pain or weakness, along with other serious side effects such as chest pain, abnormal heartbeat, severe dizziness, and flu-like symptoms. If you experience any side effects, it is important to consult your doctor or pharmacist for advice and to report the side effects to the relevant authorities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Muscle Weakness | Very bad muscle pain or weakness |
| Muscle Pain | Muscle pain or stiffness |
| Flu-like Symptoms | Flu-like signs |
| Rash | Serious skin rash, Stevens-Johnson syndrome |
| Other Symptoms | Chest pain, blurred vision, double vision, clumsiness, unsteadiness, dizziness, drowsiness, constipation, stomach pain, upset stomach, throwing up, decreased appetite, trouble sleeping, nose or throat irritation, weight loss, headache, hives, unusual tiredness, yellow eyes or skin, fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light |
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What You'll Learn
Flu-like symptoms
Lamotrigine, the generic form of Lamictal, may cause flu-like symptoms in some people. Flu-like symptoms are characterised by a combination of fatigue, fever, chills, muscle pain, and weakness. Some people may also experience a sore throat, nausea, and headache.
If you experience flu-like symptoms while taking Lamictal, it is important to monitor your symptoms and contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice. These symptoms may be temporary and could go away within a few days to weeks. However, if they persist or become severe, it is crucial to seek medical attention.
It is worth noting that not everyone experiences side effects from taking Lamictal, and even when they do occur, most side effects tend to wear off over time. However, it is important to be vigilant and informed about potential side effects so that you can take appropriate action if necessary. Remember to follow your doctor's instructions and report any new or persistent symptoms.
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Allergic reactions
While not everyone experiences side effects from taking Lamictal (lamotrigine) , allergic reactions are
- Fever
- Dark urine
- Headache
- Hives
- Muscle pain or stiffness
- Stomach pain
- Unusual tiredness
- Yellow eyes or skin
Lamictal may also cause heart rhythm problems. Consult your doctor immediately if you experience chest pain, fast, slow, or uneven heartbeat, lightheadedness, or trouble breathing.
Additionally, this medication may cause some individuals to become agitated, irritable, or display other abnormal behaviours. It may also cause some people to have suicidal thoughts and tendencies or to become more depressed. If you or your caregiver notice any of these side effects, inform your doctor right away.
Other symptoms that require immediate medical attention include:
- Stiff neck
- Confusion
- Drowsiness
- Fever
- Chills
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Rash
- Sensitivity to light
These symptoms could indicate a rare and serious condition called aseptic meningitis.
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Heart rhythm problems
Lamotrigine, sold under the brand name Lamictal, is a drug used to treat seizures and bipolar disorder. It has been on the market for over 25 years.
Lamictal has been shown to increase the risk of heart rhythm problems, called arrhythmias, in patients with heart disease. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has reviewed study findings and found a potential increased risk of arrhythmias in patients with heart disease who are taking Lamictal. These heart rhythm abnormalities can be life-threatening in patients with clinically important structural or functional heart disorders.
The following are signs and symptoms of heart rhythm problems that require immediate medical attention:
- Chest pain
- Fast, slow, or uneven heartbeat (racing, skipped, or slow heartbeat)
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Fainting
- Trouble breathing
Risk Factors
The risk of arrhythmias may be higher in certain individuals with specific heart conditions. These include:
- Heart failure
- Valvular heart disease
- Congenital heart disease
- Conduction system disease
- Ventricular arrhythmias
- Cardiac channelopathies (e.g., Brugada syndrome)
- Clinically significant ischemic heart disease
- Multiple risk factors for coronary artery disease
Additionally, the risk of arrhythmias may increase when Lamictal is used in combination with other medicines that block sodium channels in the heart.
If you have any concerns about heart rhythm problems or other side effects while taking Lamictal, consult your doctor or healthcare provider. Do not stop taking Lamictal without first discussing it with your doctor, as stopping it suddenly can lead to uncontrolled seizures or worsening mental health problems.
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Agitation and irritability
Lamictal (lamotrigine) is a prescription drug used to treat bipolar disorder, epilepsy, and seizures. It is generally well-tolerated, but like other drugs, it can cause side effects, some of which are mild and temporary, and others that are serious and long-term.
Psychomotor agitation may also occur, which is characterized by rapid talking and purposeless movements such as pacing and toe-tapping. This could indicate that the dosage is too high, and a doctor should be consulted to determine if a change in dosage or timing is required.
If you or your loved one taking Lamictal experiences agitation or irritability, it is important to monitor these symptoms and inform your doctor or pharmacist. They can provide guidance and assess whether adjustments to the medication are necessary.
While rare, it is important to be aware that Lamictal may also cause suicidal thoughts or tendencies, so any concerns about anger or mood changes should be promptly addressed with a medical professional.
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Rare side effects
Lamictal (lamotrigine) is an anti-epileptic medication used to treat seizures in adults and children over 2 years old. It is also prescribed for bipolar disorder. While Lamictal can cause side effects, these vary from person to person, and many people have no side effects or only minor ones.
Some rare side effects of Lamictal include:
- Rhabdomyolysis (among patients experiencing hypersensitivity reactions)
- Bursitis
- Muscle atrophy
- Pathological fracture
- Tendinous contracture
- Anaemia
- Iron deficiency anaemia
- Acute kidney failure
- Kidney pain
- Low white blood cell counts, red blood cell counts, or platelets
- Withdrawal seizures
- Serious skin rash
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS)
- Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN)
If you experience any of these side effects, it is important to consult your doctor or pharmacist. It is also important to note that you should not stop taking Lamictal without first checking with your doctor, as doing so may cause withdrawal seizures.
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Frequently asked questions
Lamictal (lamotrigine) is a brand-name drug that’s prescribed for bipolar disorder and epilepsy.
Yes, Lamictal may cause muscle pain or weakness.
Lamictal may cause blurred vision, double vision, clumsiness, unsteadiness, dizziness, drowsiness, weight loss or weight gain, and serious skin rash.
Lamictal may cause serious allergic reactions affecting multiple body organs (e.g. liver or kidney). It may also cause heart rhythm problems, suicidal thoughts, and seizures if stopped too quickly.
If you experience any side effects from taking Lamictal, consult your doctor or pharmacist immediately. Do not stop taking Lamictal without first checking with your doctor.
