Lamictal is the trade name for the drug lamotrigine. Lamictal is an anti-convulsant medication available only with a doctor's prescription.

As an anti-convulsant, lamictal may be taken to control seizures in patients with epilepsy. To control epileptic seizures, the drug may be used in patients over two years old. Lamictal is also used to treat extreme mood swings in patients with bipolar disorder; for this purpose, lamictal bipolar may be used in patients over the age of 18.

Lamictal may be taken on its own for these purposes, but it is often taken in combination with other drugs used for controlling the aforementioned disorders. Dosages vary according to a variety of factors including:

• Age
• Medical condition
• Other medications being taken and potential for interaction (including hormones)

Finding the right Lamictal dosage for an individual can be a lengthy process. It is very important for patients to tell their doctors about all drugs they are taking, as certain drugs can impact the effectiveness of Lamictal, including the following:

• Tegretol (carbamazepine)
• Methotrexate, Septra, or other drugs that inhibit the metabolism of folate
• Oral contraceptives
• Phenobarbital
• Dilantin (Phenytoin)
• Mysoline (Primidone)
• Depakene or Depakote (valproic acid)

Furthermore, Lamictal regimens often require metered dosing that is slowly built up in the system. For the treatment of epilepsy in combination with other drugs, a typical adult dosage schedule would be similar to:

• One 50 mg dose per day for 2 weeks
• Two 50 mg doses daily for the next 2 weeks
• 300 to 500 mg per day (depending on doctor's prescription) divided into 2 daily doses

A typical adult dosage schedule for lamictal bipolar disorder, not in combination with other drugs, would be similar to:

• One 25 mg dose once daily for the first 2 weeks
• 50 mg per day during the next two weeks
• 100 mg during week 5
• 200 mg (total) per day after week 5

Lamictal dosing for bipolar disorder will vary when used in combination with other drugs as well.

Obviously, with such meticulously calculated dosages, it is very important for patients using Lamictal to remain in contact with their doctor, follow instructions closely and keep all scheduled appointments.

An overdose of Lamictal can be very dangerous, even fatal. When overdose of lamictal is suspected, medical treatment (via poison control center and emergency room/emergency services) should be sought immediately.

For safety's sake, Lamictal must be stored out of the reach of children at room temperature; it should also be stored away from moisture, heat, and light.