Lamotrigine: Uses, Side Effects, and How to Take It
Lamotrigine is a prescription medicine used to reduce seizures in certain types of epilepsy and to help prevent mood episodes in bipolar disorder. It is not a treatment for an active seizure emergency or an acute manic episode.
Take lamotrigine exactly as prescribed and increase the dose gradually, because starting too quickly can cause a serious skin reaction. Contact your doctor promptly about new or worsening symptoms, especially any rash.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- N03AX09
- Generic
- Lamotrigine
- Class
- anticonvulsant
- Brands
- Lamictal
- Availability
- rx
- Pregnancy
- C
- Lactation
- caution
- Half-life (h)
- 25
- Duration (h)
- 24
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet
- Regions
- CN, US, EU, JP
- Monitoring
- rash, liver-function
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 200mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 100-200mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once or twice daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 100mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks; consider alternative medications
regular fetal monitoring including detailed ultrasound for cleft lip/palate
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second trimestermaintain lowest effective dose
continue only if benefits outweigh risks; monitor plasma levels
regular prenatal checkups and fetal growth monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid abrupt discontinuation
do not discontinue abruptly; plan for delivery and postpartum dose adjustment
fetal monitoring and assessment of neonatal status
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingmonitor infant closely
use while breastfeeding only if benefits outweigh risks; monitor infant for sedation, poor feeding, rash
observe infant for adverse effects; consider infant plasma level monitoring if symptoms occur
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children 2 12 yearsweight-based dosing required
approved for epilepsy in children >=2 years; follow weight-based titration schedule
regular monitoring of weight, liver function, and for signs of rash especially in first 8 weeks
geriatric
elderly 65 years and olderstart at lower end of dosing range
use caution; may have increased sensitivity to side effects; consider renal function
monitor renal function; watch for dizziness, ataxia, increased fall risk
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severe creatinine clearance less than 30 mL minreduce dose by 50%
use reduced dose; extended dosing intervals may be needed
monitor plasma levels and renal function regularly
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderate to severereduce dose by 25-50% based on severity
use reduced initial dose and slower titration; monitor liver function
regular liver function tests and plasma level monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
Year Lamotrigine was first approved by the FDA
Drug class
Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical classification
Primary indications
Main therapeutic uses of Lamotrigine
Mechanism of action
Primary pharmacodynamic mechanism
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 22, 2026. · Read our editorial policy