Side effects
Taking Lamotrigine may cause side effects under certain circumstances. Especially a too fast dosage can cause considerable side effects, therefore Lamotrigine should always be taken slowly. If the dosage is too fast, severe allergic reactions and skin reactions may occur.
These appear as skin rashes or redness, can form blisters and are pronounced around the mouth, nose, eyes and in the genital area. Fever and swelling of the face and glands may also occur.The most severe form of this side effect is the so-called Stevens-Johnson syndrome, a potentially fatal immune reaction. The risk of the side effects described above increases when Lamotrigine is administered quickly and when it is taken together with Valproate, another anti-epileptic drug.
Common side effects of Lamotrigine include Rare, sometimes life-threatening side effects: Very rare side effects: If side effects occur, especially skin reactions, a doctor should be consulted immediately. In some patients who are taking lamotrigine because of bipolar disorder; thoughts of suicide or self-harm may arise. Such thoughts may also arise in patients taking lamotrigine for the treatment of epilepsy.
A doctor or the nearest hospital should also be consulted.
- Headaches
- Swindle
- Drowsiness
- Coordination disorders
- Nausea or vomiting
- Visual disturbances, such as double vision or blurred vision
- Nystagmus (a quick eye twitch)
- Sleep disorders or tiredness
- Aggressiveness or irritability
- Skin reaction
- Change in liver function
- Change of the blood count
- Severe blood coagulation disorders
- Hallucinations and confusion
- Uncontrollable body movements
- Exacerbation of an existing Parkinson’s disease
Very rarely, the intake of Lamotrigine leads to increased liver values, liver dysfunction or liver failure. These symptoms can occur in isolation or as signs of an overreaction of the immune system.
Liver values should be checked regularly, in case of slightly elevated values the patient should be monitored further. If there are signs of hyperreactivity of the immune system, such as skin rashes, fever, swollen lymph nodes or water retention, a doctor must be consulted immediately. As a rule, there is no weight gain when taking Lamotrigine.
Other antiepileptic drugs, such as valproate or carbamazepine, may be associated with weight gain. In combination therapy with lamotrigine they may be responsible for weight gain. Gabapentin and Vigabatrin from the group of newer anticonvulsants also have a minimal effect on body weight.
Topiramate, on the other hand, can even lead to weight loss. Fatigue is considered a side effect of the majority of antiepileptic drugs. In the case of lamotrigine, too, it is listed in the package leaflet under possible side effects.
Together with felbamate, however, lamotrigine belongs to the group of antiepileptic drugs which, unlike other drugs in their group, hardly ever cause fatigue. Taking Lamotrigine is also not an absolute contraindication to driving a car, for example, although this must be discussed in detail with a doctor. Forgetfulness is not known as a side effect of Lamotrigine.
Therefore it cannot be excluded that it can occur in individual patients. Dizziness, drowsiness and tiredness can reduce the ability to concentrate and thus lead to supposed forgetfulness. If the side effects have a significant impact on everyday life, the treating physician must be consulted.
