Lamotrigine for epilepsy

About lamotrigine

Having epilepsy means that you have had more than one unexplained fit, or seizure. A seizure is a short episode of symptoms caused by a burst of abnormal electrical activity in your brain. Different parts of the brain control different functions of your body, so the symptoms that occur during a seizure will depend on where the abnormal burst of electrical activity occurs. Symptoms that may occur during a seizure can affect your muscles, sensations, behaviour, emotions, and consciousness, or a combination of these. The seizures can be prevented in most people by suitable antiepileptic medication. Lamotrigine is a commonly used medicine. It works by stabilising the electrical activity of your brain, which helps to prevent the seizures from occurring.

Lamotrigine is also prescribed as a treatment for bipolar disorder, which is a condition where there can be extreme mood swings. It is helpful in preventing the periods of depression that occur in people with this disorder.

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking lamotrigine it is important that your doctor knows:

• Si estás embarazada, intentando tener un bebé o amamantando.

• Si tienes algún problema con el funcionamiento de tus riñones o con el funcionamiento de tu hígado.

• If you have enfermedad de Parkinson.

• If you have any problems with the way your heart works.

• Si está tomando otros medicamentos. Esto incluye cualquier medicamento que esté tomando y que esté disponible para comprar sin receta, así como medicamentos herbales y complementarios.

• Si alguna vez has tenido una reacción alérgica a un medicamento.

• Before you start the treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about lamotrigine and will provide you with a full list of the side-effects which you may experience from taking it.

• Take lamotrigine exactly as your doctor tells you to. Your dose will be printed on the label of the pack to remind you about what the doctor said. It is usual to start treatment on a low dose, and then for the dose to be increased gradually to a regular maintenance dose. It is usual to take either one or two doses every day. Doses for children are tailored to their age and weight.

• Try to take your doses at the same times of day, each day. Having a routine will help you to remember to take your doses regularly. You can take lamotrigine either before or after meals.

• Swallow the tablet whole with a drink of water, do not crush or chew the tablet.

• If you have been supplied with lamotrigine dispersible/chewable tablets, you can stir the tablet into a little water to help you swallow, or you can chew the tablet before swallowing it. Always use whole tablets for your dose, do not try to split the tablets.

• Si olvida tomar una dosis, tómela tan pronto como lo recuerde, a menos que esté cerca la hora de su próxima dosis, en cuyo caso omita la dosis olvidada. No tome dos dosis juntas para compensar una dosis olvidada.
  

• Cuando comienzas un nuevo tratamiento para la epilepsia, puede haber un cambio en el número o tipo de convulsiones que experimentas. Tu médico te aconsejará al respecto.

• Intenta mantener tus citas regulares con tu médico. Esto es para que tu médico pueda verificar tu progreso.

• Different formulations and makes of lamotrigine can act in a slightly different way in your body. Because of this, your doctor may recommend that you continue to take lamotrigine from the same manufacturer each time you obtain a new supply. If so, each time you collect a prescription, check to make sure your supply looks the same and that the name is the same. If you are unsure, or if you have any questions about your prescription, please ask your pharmacist to advise you.

• If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are suitable for you to take.

• While you are being treated for epilepsy there is a small risk that you may develop mood changes, distressing thoughts and feelings about suicide. If this happens, you must tell your doctor about it straightaway.

• People with epilepsy must stop driving at first. Your doctor will advise you about when it may be possible for you to start driving again. This will usually be after a year free of seizures.

• Antiepileptic medicines can harm an unborn child. If you are a woman, make sure you have discussed with your doctor which types of contraception are suitable for you and your partner. If you want to have a family, discuss this with your doctor so that you can be given advice from a specialist antes you become pregnant.

• You need to take lamotrigine regularly every day. Do not stop taking it unless your doctor tells you to stop. Stopping treatment suddenly can cause problems and your doctor will probably want you to reduce your dose gradually if this becomes necessary.

• If you drink alcohol, ask your doctor for advice. Your doctor may advise you not to drink alcohol while you are on this medicine.

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the most common ones associated with lamotrigine. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

Importante: your doctor will discuss with you the possibility that lamotrigine can cause blood disorders and allergic skin reactions. Although these occur much less commonly than the side-effects listed above, it is important that you contact your doctor de inmediato if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• A high temperature (fever) or swollen glands.

• Extreme tiredness.

• Unexplained bruising or bleeding.

• Una erupción cutánea severa.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to lamotrigine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

• Mantenga todos los medicamentos fuera del alcance y la vista de los niños.

• Almacenar en un lugar fresco y seco, lejos del calor y la luz directos.