LAMICTAL (lamotrigine)
LAMICTAL (lamotrigine) is formally classified as an anticonvulsant drug. However, it has been used for many years for migraines and pain. It is also effective for treating bipolar depression.
WARNING: STOP THE MEDICATION IMMEDIATELY IF A RASH APPEARS.
To minimize the possibility of rash:
If the medication is discontinued due to rash, it may be tried again. However, the rash must be completely gone. The starting dose needs to be even lower, and raised more slowly. If the rash recurs, stop the medication immediately. |
Lamictal comes in scored tablets of 25, 100, 150, and 200mg. It is most cost effective to buy the larger sizes and cut them in half.
| Week | Morning dose | Bedtime dose |
| 1 | — | 12.5mg |
| 2 | 12.5mg | 12.5mg |
| 3 | 12.5mg | 25mg |
| 4 | 25mg | 50mg |
| 5 | 50mg | 50mg |
| 6 | 50mg | 75mg |
| 7 | 75mg | 75mg |
| 8 | 75mg | 100mg |
| 9 | 100mg | 100mg |
The dose may need to be increased to a total of 250-400mg.
SIDE EFFECTS
If significant side effects occur (e.g. dizziness on 25mg), the dose may be reduced even further.
To decrease side effects (especially risk of rash) take each dose for 2 weeks.
2 thoughts on “How To Take Lamictal (Lamotrigine)”
My doctor prescribed LAMOTRIGINE 25 MG. She said to take 1/2 tablet the first 7 days and then a full tablet. She said to take these tablets at Bedtime? Why is this? She said she was prescribing it for my anxiety or possibly Post Traumatic Stress disorder. She said it was a mood stabilizer, if that is the case shouldn’t I be taking it during the day instead of at bedtime?
I’m also taking Lamotrigine for Bipolar I Disorder, and was taking Melatonin as well to fall asleep at night. That is definately one sleep aide you want to stay away from while using Lamotrigine. I can’t answer your other questions, I’m wondering myself which sleep aide would be safe to use with Lamotrigine.