Lamotrigine is a medication used to treat certain types of seizures and mood disorders. It’s important to take it exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider to ensure the best results and minimize side effects.

Common Side Effects

While taking lamotrigine, you may experience some common side effects, including:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Blurred vision
• Nausea
• Sleepiness
• Difficulty sleeping

Most of these side effects are mild and tend to decrease over time as your body adjusts to the medication.

Serious Side Effects: Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS)

Though rare, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that can occur with lamotrigine.

Watch for the following symptoms and seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• A rash that spreads and causes blistering or peeling
• Painful sores in your mouth or around your eyes
• Fever or flu-like symptoms
• Swelling of the face or tongue

Following Your Taper Schedule

To reduce the risk of serious side effects like SJS, it’s crucial to follow your prescribed taper schedule carefully. Your healthcare provider will gradually increase your dose over several weeks

When to Seek Care

Contact your healthcare provider if you:

• Develop any rash, especially if it’s widespread or associated with other symptoms mentioned above.
• Experience any unusual changes in mood or behavior.
• Have severe dizziness, unsteady walking, or vision changes.
• Feel symptoms of an allergic reaction (such as swelling, itching, or difficulty breathing).

Keeping Track of Your Medication

• Take lamotrigine exactly as prescribed and follow any instructions given for dose changes.
• Do not miss doses. If you do miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for your next dose. Do not double up to make up for a missed dose.
  • If you miss doses 3 days in a row, then contact your provider to see if it is safe to restart at your current dose.
• Keep regular appointments with your healthcare provider to monitor your progress and adjust your dosage if necessary.